The NFL announced this week that they have granted marketing rights to 18 teams across 26 territories around the world.
Global NFL fans were left to ask themselves, ‘what the heck does this mean? Am I getting a VHS tape of NFL games?’
Not really, you’re getting Home Marketing!
With this new acronym (IMHA), the NFL is allowing teams to reach out directly to the fans, and fan groups to help promote their team(s), as well as develop more of a global following.
If you are looking for some old VHS tapes of NFL games, now you can ask the teams directly!
What Does it Mean for NFL Fans?
Being an NFL fan around the world, means you don’t get as much ‘love’ as the average NFL fan stateside.
Not only do fans have to watch the games at an ungodly hour, but they must suffer through some of the more popular local sports like soccer…rugby…or The Masked Singer. Uggghh!
With this new Home Marketing plan, now fans and fan groups can directly work with the teams, and their marketing departments to offer a more comprehensive fan experience to those outside the country.
It means that fan groups can grow organically, and leaves less chance of fan groups being bullied by the league, local TV networks and bars for trying to support their favourite team(s).
UK Bound
The UK was one of the territories to be a part of this new program, with 6 NFL teams being selected to dance with the fans.
Although slightly less than Mexico’s 9 teams, the UK has once again been rewarded for having fans that not only truly the game, but also support it, no matter what kind of craziness is going on in the world.
NFL in London is one of the largest NFL promoters in Europe, so we will let you know what we hear, and any important news to NFL UK fans.
The six teams that have been selected to take part in the home marketing initiative in the UK includes:
Chicago Bears
Boasting one of the UK’s biggest Bear fans in our man Wade, this is exciting news for all Chicago fans.
The Chicago Bears are one of the few teams in the UK without an active social scene like some of the other fan clubs.
That could change with the Bears now able to pinpoint English fans, and provide them with plenty of Chicago Bears merchandise that has never been seen across the pond.
Welcome to London Chicago Bears!
Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s no surprise that the Jags were included in this list, given their boots on the ground policy from over a decade ago.
Jacksonville has continued to grow their UK fanbase, even while the home numbers dwindled.
Jags UK fans have suffered through expansion hiccups, the Bortles era, Minshew-Mania, and now Urban Decay…but they still keep coming back.
Shad Khan and the Jags team should be happy to reward such faithful fans over the years.
Minnesota Vikings
Tapping into their Scandi heritage, the Vikings have never shied from their European roots.
Minnesota has a new miracle, as the Vikes are another lucky team to be welcomed into the British fold.
The Vikings are another NFC north team to slip across the pond, and the fans couldn’t be happier!
Minnesota Vikings have a solid UK and European fanbase that truly deserves this honour, and will definitely not let the team down!
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have had a grip on the UK since the Marino and NFL Channel 4 years.
Miami has a surprising amount of fans in England, and might have something to do with the fact that the weather is exactly the opposite to the UK.
Poor Dolphins fans have also had a tough decade in the AFC East, watching TB12 and Billy Boy take title after title, despite a slew of draft picks.
If you needed a second NFL team from Florida, you got one now.
NY Jets
Ever since Jets owner Woody Johnson put the ‘ass; in Ambassador, the New York Jets have circled around the capital.
While Jets fans stateside have been wearing face coverings even before began, English fans have been able to travel in relative anonymity.
This will all change as the New York Jets are another team to grace our shores with their football.
It’s been a rough few years on the Jets, so be nice to them. Who knows you might even be able to make the team?
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisky? Hoo yeah!
Ever since Joe Montana did his thing in the 80s’, the 49ers have been a popular team logo to see on the streets of England.
San Fran and the 49ers are not only hugely popular in the UK, but they are also the most recent of all the teams to go to the Super Bowl!
So there’s that.
Welcome to the United Kingdom San Fran! Mind the gap.
NFL in London
For all those teams that don’t know us, why not reach out.
We love to host parties for all the fans, as well as get communities of fan groups involved in exciting activities.
Here we grow again NFL!
Biden Time
Joe Biden was out and about, and quick to remind NFL fans the need for health safety.
Or else he just hates Aaron Rodgers and wanted to make a fool of him.