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Is A European NFL Franchise In The Future?

(WSCR) - Professional sports leagues are constantly looking to expand into new cities. Some of the times this is successful and other times very unsuccessful. There has been recent talk of the NBA removing some franchises after the league has started to become unprofitable. However, the NFL feels that not only expansion is in its best interest, but international expansion.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants a bigger presence for American football in Europe.

Ahead of the NFL's fourth regular-season game at Wembley Stadium, Goodell says the success of the previous matches has buoyed his hopes of one day having a full-time franchise in England.

Goodell said the league plans to start playing more games in Europe in the coming years, but that no timeline for an expansion has been set.

Goodell adds Friday that "I think the next step will be multiple games. And if that's successful then I think the idea of a franchise here is realistic."

The San Francisco 49ers play the Denver Broncos at Wembley on Sunday.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press contributed to this article. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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