Report: NFL plans to put franchise in London within six years

The NFL has reportedly committed to putting a franchise in London within six years, according to a report.

Citing NFL spokesman Mark Waller, the BBC reported on Wednesday that the UK is on track to have a permanent franchise by 2022.

“The fan base is big enough and passionate enough that it can support a franchise,” said Waller. “I felt in 2007 it was always a 15-year journey. I think we’re on track to deliver that. I fundamentally believe we will deliver that.”

In the interim, the NFL will continue its annual series of London games.

There remains little indication which franchise it would be that moves to London, assuming the league doesn’t opt to simply expand. The Jacksonville Jaguars are widely linked, particularly since their own, Shahid Khan, also owns London-based soccer team Fulham.

The city of London has wanted a franchise for years, and the NFL wants to be there to make the league a truly global one. It seems to be only a matter of time now.