NFL's international expansion strategy is all wrong.

[wiffleball 4,790]

ESPN story

 

Really don't like the way the NFL is looking at expansion. Rather than find ways to support and grow NFL Europe, they're trying to internationalize the NFL. I just don't see this working. How the fock can you reasonably expect a team to play a regular season game in the UK, Japan, or China? That's a huge disadvantage.

 

Look, I understand the NFL wanting to expand. They see basketball and soccer in so many international markets and feel like they should get a piece of the pie. And, that's fine. But they're missing a KEY point in their latest strategy; The REASON these sports do so well in say, Czeckoslovokia - is because they have their OWN guys to root for. Ling fao fat could give a ###### about Jeff Garcia - they'll start getting interested when Woo Wee Chow in lined up under center. Living here in H-town, I can tell you for a fact that the % of Asian Americans attending Rockets games went through the roof when Yao Ming started playing.

 

The big difference between say, international basketball & baseball & the NFL is that there are SEPERATE LEAGUES for baseball and basketball. You don't have the Shangai Raiders playing the Colorado Rockies.

 

There are ways to get international viewers to watch US NFL games. There are ways to develop interest & education in football in other countries - which will lead to more international viewers. But logistically and business-wise, the NFL's current direction makes no sense.

[RLLD 4,230]

Good points

[TimmySmith 2,782]

I don't think you and I read the same article.

[wiffleball 4,790]

I don't think you and I read the same article.

 

combination of many stories.

[kilroy69 1,250]

I don't think they gave NFL Europe enough support. It could have had a loyal following in the NFL offseason because football fans get rabid for it around this time. They should have had games on SAT afternoon and really plugged it as the stars of the NFL of tomorrow. I think they blew a golden chance.

[Mungwater 597]

The REASON these sports do so well in say, Czeckoslovokia

 

Yeah, they also might want to check into a country that actually exists..

[FranksTanks 0]

I think, now that NFL Europe is dead, they should have a D league around the US in smaller markets. I know just around Denver, they've built smaller stadiums for D league basketball and hockey teams. The turnouts are great, while the stadiums spark new developments and boost the economy around the area. I don't see why they couldn't do this with football as well.

[wiffleball 4,790]

I think, now that NFL Europe is dead, they should have a D league around the US in smaller markets. I know just around Denver, they've built smaller stadiums for D league basketball and hockey teams. The turnouts are great, while the stadiums spark new developments and boost the economy around the area. I don't see why they couldn't do this with football as well.

 

I think the only reason they don't do this is because of their unholy marriage to the NCAA. Let's face it, the NCAA IS the NFL's farm system. The NCCA gets 4-5 years of basically unpaid labor from which they derive BILLIONS. And, the only reason most of the 'star' guys play under that system is Because it's the only viable route to the NFL.

 

If there were another option, you can bet a lot of these guys would blow off college in a heartbeat. - Thus watering down the NCAA's product and potentially costing them millions if not billions in TV & Ticket revenue.

 

As far as I'm concerned, your idea would be the best thing int he world to eliminate the corruption in college ball. - And, restore college athletics to what it should be. But, given the benefit the NFL and NCAA derive from the current system, I seriously doubt we'll see it.

[Franknbeans 46]

I would rather support an NFL seniors league