The National Football League (NFL) is considered to be the most popular sports league in North America. It has a total of 32 teams, with one of them being from Canada. But with the league’s popularity at an all-time high, there is still room for expansion. So, which cities should get an NFL expansion team?
1. San Antonio:
San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States and has a rich sports culture. With the Spurs being the only major sports team in the city, San Antonio would immensely benefit from an NFL team. The city also has a brand-new stadium, and it’s the perfect location for an NFL team that would cater to the diversity of fans from Texas.
2. Toronto:
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North America. Toronto has a diverse population, a booming economy, and a strong passion for sports. The city already hosts the Blue Jays, the Raptors, and the Maple Leafs. With the NFL’s popularity reaching new heights in Canada, it would be an excellent opportunity to expand into the country with a team in Toronto.
3. Portland:
Portland is steadily growing as one of America’s most prominent cities, with a vibrant personality and a strong sporting culture. The city hosts the Trail Blazers in the NBA and the Timbers in the MLS. An NFL team could establish Portland as a sports hub in the Pacific Northwest, expanding the league’s reach in that area.
4. Austin:
Austin is steadily growing in population and has excellent demographics for an NFL team. The city has a successful tech industry and is known for its vibrant music scene. The city already has an established sports culture, with the University of Texas Longhorns being the most prominent team. An NFL team would add to the already established sports scene in Austin.
5. Oklahoma City:
Oklahoma City is a rapidly growing city in the southern United States. With the Thunder being the only major sports team in the city, an NFL team could capitalize on the enthusiasm for sports in North Oklahoma and draw fans from neighboring states like Kansas and Texas.
6. Columbus:
Columbus is the largest city in Ohio after the state capital, and it’s home to the Ohio State Buckeyes. With a massive population base and a strong collegiate football culture, an NFL team would strengthen football in the state.
These are six potential destinations for NFL expansion teams. The NFL commissioner has previously stated that adding new teams is not on the immediate horizon, but with the league consistently growing, the possibility of expansion has been raised in many circles. Any of these cities could benefit from the arrival of a new NFL team, and it would be exciting to see where the league heads next.
