Why do the Jaguars always play in the NFL’s London games?

The NFL’s second London game this season will be a matchup between the Jaguars and Dolphins.

The first London game was played in 2007 between the Giants and Dolphins. Since 2013, the NFL has brought at least two games per season to London, excluding the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite their 20 losses in a row and losing seasons since 2010 (excluding 2017), the Jaguars have played in London the most out of any team with seven appearances. They are 3-4 in their London history. 

But why do the Jaguars play across the pond so many times, especially when the Packers have yet to play in London in a single time? Here’s all you need to know about the Jaguars’ history in London.

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Why do the Jaguars always play in London?

Back in 2012, Jaguars owner Shahid Khan signed a partnership with the English Football Association to play in London consecutively for four seasons. Wembley Stadium became their home field when they played games in London. 

In 2015, Khan re-signed the deal to extend their partnership until the 2020 season. Since no teams played in London in 2020, that contract expired without being completed. There is no new contract as of now.

This year’s matchups will be played in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Although this isn’t the first time the NFL has played in this stadium, it will be the first time the Jaguars haven’t played in Wembley.

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Will the Jaguars play in London after 2021?

As of April 2021, Khan and the Jaguars had not finished a deal with Wembley. When Khan had signed the extension back in 2015, he originally vouched for a 10-year contract until 2025. When that was decreased to five years, there was uncertainty what would happen when the contract was up.

The English Football Association spoke with Sky Sports in April and admitted the deal was still in the works. 

“We remain in ongoing, positive discussions with the Jacksonville Jaguars about hosting future games at Wembley Stadium, so are not in a position to comment further. The FA maintains good relationships with the NFL and the Jacksonville Jaguars having enjoyed over a decade of hosting games at Wembley Stadium,” said the statement.

The NFL signed a new deal ahead of the 2021 season that all 32 teams will be playing internationally at least once every eight years.

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Could the Jaguars eventually move to London?

Before the pandemic last year, there was talk of the Jaguars moving permanently to London. The Jaguars openly declined this rumor, but there is more speculation since their contract has expired. 

However, there are some reasons that would make this move extremely difficult. For one, travel for road games would be a nightmare for the Jaguars and any team that plays them in London. Also, the fans showing up to the London games appear in every jersey imaginable. They aren’t likely to root for any specific team; it’s more or less for the experience of attending a NFL game. It would take years for the Jaguars to form a solid fan base abroad.

Additionally, the Jaguars have a lease with their Jacksonville stadium, EverBank Field, through 2030. 

Jaguars all-time London results