Lurie called the London series the NFL's best method of export, and didn't rule out putting a franchise in the cityGETTY IMAGES
Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie believes the NFL has "got to be more willing to be aggressive" in growing its international profile and "take chances" in new markets. Lurie this morning appeared in a taped segment on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" and said the success the NFL has had in London and Mexico City "reinforces going more international." Lurie said, "We're all talking about China. Not necessarily for a franchise, but it's a market that is gigantic that doesn't have a dominant sport. I think that's the next frontier -- not necessarily for a team but to start understanding NFL football." He said he is "sure games will be played" in China in the future. Lurie noted the NFL's London series is the league's "best method of export" and said the league has to "work out the logistics" concerning putting a franchise in the city. Lurie: "Should it be a team that is a London franchise or should we have a game every week in London that's shared by all the teams? It's certainly a serious decision." He added, "The market is amazing. There's something like 13 million NFL fans in the U.K., and 25 million watch on television. If you compare that to some of the domestic markets we have, it dwarfs it. More Lurie: "We know we have the most popular sport in America. Let's share it with the rest of the world. The more we can share it, the more people will become avid fans" ("Good Morning Football," NFL Network, 10/23).
