Franchies Worldwide

Franchises Worldwide

Sports in our American society are viewed to some people as a “Religion”. Some say: Sports is what brings people together, break people apart, and generally what people look forward to when their particular sport season comes around.

There are four major Sport Leagues in America today. However, the National Football League (NFL) is the “bread and butter” of this country. In order to expand the National Football League beyond American borders, each franchise will have to consider various types of different obstacles; i.e. countries that consider American football as a sport, costs, TV streaming rights, and products. The major revenue stream with the National Football League is the products which support each of its franchises’. The import of such goods is governed by country customs and tariffs which potentially could cause major dilemmas if any sports franchise attempts to go into an international market.

As we consider American Football the most watched sport of this country, Americans find it very incomprehensible that only a handful of countries play or watch American football. According to the “International Federation of American Football”, only 64 countries play American football. (http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/02/20/how-a-london-nfl-team-could-lead-to-global-expansi.aspx). Rugby and Soccer are the most beloved global sports!

In order to cultivate American football into a worldwide market, the NFL Commissioner will initially need to determine which countries would presumably wish to participate. Thus far, London (UK) appears to be one of the main targeted countries. In October of 2013, Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner stated, "We don't have a timetable for a (London franchise). We want to continue building interest, and if it continues to go well, we believe a franchise could be here." (http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/02/20/how-a-london-nfl-team-could-lead-to-global-expansi.aspx). As mentioned prior, the...