Opinion: Top Five Great Locations for a Future NFL Franchise

There have been talks on occasion about NFL expansion possibilities and rumors about franchises switching cities. By the end of this decade at the latest, we might see a team or two move to large market cities, and may witness the expansion of a 33rd and 34th team. There are a number of cities not only within the United States, but also internationally, who would be more than happy in acquiring a NFL team.

A NFL franchise has the potential to boost a local economy and put cities on the map. Here is my take on five great locations that could do very well if or when the NFL looks their way.

5) Las Vegas, Nevada

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Located near California and roughly 300 miles from Phoenix and San Diego, Sin City can make a good spot for a NFL franchise. Vegas is home to nearly 600,000 people, making it a decent sized market for the NFL. Gambling might be an issue that could hinder Las Vegas' chances of getting a NFL team in the future, but the gambling environment could also work in favor. A NFL franchise here can not only appeal to the local market, but also to the millions of visitors that come here annually. 


4) Omaha, Nebraska

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Nebraska is a state that loves football. Although Omaha is nearly 200 miles from Kansas City, the population of over 420,000 would likely welcome a NFL team. The state rallies behind the Cornhuskers, but there can be plenty of room for both a college and professional team for Nebraska fans to support. 





3) San Antonio, Texas

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Like Nebraska, Texas loves football. Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio are all fast growing cities, and the market there can definitely sustain three NFL teams. San Antonio has a population of nearly 1.4 million, making it one of the largest cities in the U.S. and a great spot for a future NFL team. San Antonio fans would have great expectations for a future franchise, sharing the success of the NBA team San Antonio Spurs in the past fifteen years.


2) Toronto, Canada

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Toronto would be a great first step for the NFL's inevitable international expansion. With a population of more than 2.5 million, this is a massive market with so much potential for a team looking to move in or for an expansion team. There's been talks circulating lately about the possibility of a Toronto franchise in the coming years. It would not be a surprise if Toronto does land a team by 2020.



1) Los Angeles, California

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Los Angeles witnessed not one but two teams leaving for smaller markets in the past. With a population pushing 3.9 million, LA is likely to finally land a franchise looking to call this massive market home. It is likely that LA will either land the first team looking to move, or establish a 33rd team.




Honorable mentions:

London, England

The NFL will be taking a huge leap (no pun intended) by establishing a foothold here. This is definitely a possibility, but not in the near future. Passenger jets would need to jump the Atlantic in under two hours for London to be a realistic candidate. 2030 perhaps?

Columbus, Ohio 

Columbus is a large city with a population of more than 800,000. As far as sports go, it's known for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Football is popular here and a NFL team could be a right fit. However, Ohio has two NFL teams in Cleveland and Cincinnati. It might be an ideal candidate somewhere down the road if only one team remains in Ohio.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a huge tourist destination, perhaps the largest in the world. A NFL franchise here can market to tourists and not just the locals. Its location in Central Florida ideally makes it a good candidate. However, Florida already has three NFL teams in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Miami. Miami is a market of its own, while Central, West, and North Florida cannot sustain more than two NFL teams. For Orlando to be a realistic candidate in the future for a NFL franchise, either Tampa Bay or Jacksonville would need to relocate first.

Agree or disagree with the picks? Feel free to comment!