Which cities should get an NFL expansion team?

By Hammad.

The NFL is always looking to expand its reach to as many fans as possible. More teams joining the league isn’t a matter of if but when. We’ve compiled a list of the cities that deserve an NFL team the most. Your city just might be on it.

Before we begin, here are the criteria we used:

  • What is the city's population?
  • Is the city already home to another Big 4 team (MLB, NBA, NHL) or a college football powerhouse? In other words, is it a sports town?
  • Has this city been home to an NFL franchise before?

San Antonio



San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the U.S. with a population of over 1.5 million. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. San Antonio has a loyal fan base for its NBA team, the Spurs, who have won five championships since 1999. The city also hosts the annual Alamo Bowl, one of the most popular college football bowl games. San Antonio has never had an NFL team, but it did host three games for the New Orleans Saints in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina displaced them from their home stadium.

London



London is the largest city in Europe and one of the most influential cities in the world. It has a population of over 8 million and a diverse culture that attracts millions of tourists every year. London is home to several professional soccer teams, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as other sports like rugby, cricket and tennis. London has hosted at least one NFL game every year since 2007, and has seen an increase in fan interest and attendance over time. London has never had an NFL team, but it could be a potential market for the league's international expansion.

Toronto



Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North America. It has a population of over 2.7 million and a vibrant multicultural scene. Toronto is home to three Big 4 teams: the Blue Jays (MLB), the Raptors (NBA) and the Maple Leafs (NHL). The city also has a strong fan base for its CFL team, the Argonauts, who have won 17 Grey Cup championships. Toronto has hosted several NFL preseason games and regular season games as part of the Bills Toronto Series from 2008 to 2013. Toronto has never had an NFL team, but it could be a viable option for the league's expansion into Canada.