As you know the St Louis Rams are moving (some would say back?) to Los Angeles Oakland and San Diego also wanted to move, but lost out in the Owners vote. Oakland does not seem to want the Raiders - the local authorities refusing to pay for new stadium etc etc Is this an opportunity to move the Raiders franchise to London?
The fanbase is not big enough to maintain an NFL franchise in London. They're close but we will see next year if the NFL will expand to four games or maintain the three game setup (2 at Wembley, 1 at Twickenham). If they keep it to three then that would be confirmation that the NFL does not expect either to sell out all four games or create enough revenue from merchandise and gain name recognition from an extra game. I would fancy a London Redcoats franchise but costs and benefits would higher and lower compared to setting up a franchise for example in Mexico City or Toronto.
The rules right now is the franchises can build up their team from free agents, up to a salary cap set by the NFL guidelines. This free agent market is not bound by nationality so in theory, the franchise could build a team based on UK-players. However, the draft rules would likely still apply so the first draft would mean the franchise has 6 US picks. And to bring in familiar names, the GM would extremely like take on known names from free agency to build a solid foundation to be competitive from the get go. Else they risk losing the newly built fan base.
It should be the British Red Coats, one it's more inclusive and two, it lends itself to the delightful slogan (like the Falcons have Rise Up) we can use at home games of 'The British are coming!'
Okay let's go through a whole bunch of names London Blitz - Ignores the fact that the blitz affected other parts of the country too, not ideal for a team that's trying to attract a national fanbase British Blitz - Doesn't sound great British Bulldogs - Just no British Royals - Potentially, considering they overthrew the monarchy it would be a fun name... we're coming to rule you again! British Monarchs - Doesn't sound as good as Royals imo Problem with those names is that republicans might kick up a fuss British Parliamentarians - Eh.... Probably not British Lions - No cause of Detroit London Sillynannies! British Knights - References our history, and knights of the round table.Okay, but not amazing Um... running out of ideas.
I want a name that sparks back that old colonial/rebellion conflict of the 1770's. Something that goes with New England Patriots. That's why I pitched Redcoats.
I agree, it would be great. We'd have an instant rivalry with the Patriots. British Colonists? British Colonials?
I am googling for synonyms for Redcoats but... Lobsterbacks... Regulars... The Kings Army would be a nice nickname for the fanbase though
Animals: Stag - meh Badger - meh Fox - meh Instead of knights perhaps dragons? Even all bird of prey are taken - Falcons, Eagles, Hawks.... There is always Owls but that just doesn't sound right. Something relating to the sea maybe as it's always been a British strong point - Rule Britania and all that.
Si, but seeing as we'd be competing in an American league, we would technically be colonists... colonising the NFL
Since the NFL goes back every year, a franchise in London would be a great idea in concept. But there are logistical problems: They can't be in the American Football Conference (AFC) and can't be in the National Football Conference (NFC) because they aren't in America... I guess they will be default winners of the International Football Conference (IFC) or just play under the FIFA banner. Which division would they play in? The Raiders are in the AFC West, playing the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs twice a year. I guess London could be considered far, far West? The logical solution is to rebrand the current home team in London as the London Admirals, give them a distinct uniform and colors that all the supporters can buy.
I'd think some reshuffling is needed. The Dallas Cowboys playing in the NFC East is weird, they can change to west. The empty spot could be filled up by a London based team. Oh and the Amsterdam Admirals got the name first, I bet it's still under license...
As I'm old enough to remember, the London Ravens could be a good name. They were one of the most successful teams in the 80's explosion and prided themselves on being all British. Many teams in those days would often play American students, in key positions, that were studying over here, or ex pats as well.
