If and when the NFL decides to fully go international, London is the most logical landing spot for an expansion franchise.

England's largest city has hosted NFL games annually since the 2007 season outside of the pandemic-impacted 2020 season. And with the exception of 2020, London has hosted multiple NFL games since 2013.

Late last year, the NFL announced that it would push further into the London market as part of the International Home Marketing Areas programme—a program the NFL views as an opportunity for clubs to expand their global brands.

"This initiative enables the NFL to more effectively pursue its long-term fan growth efforts by empowering our teams to develop meaningful relationships and touchpoints that not only grow the number of NFL fans abroad but also drive fan avidity," NFL executive vice president Christopher Halpin said, per Neil Reynolds of NFL.com.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers will be the first clubs allowed to expand into the UK market.

At some point, a permanent London NFL franchise may be inevitable. The question is whether the league can make things work logistically.

Incorporating an international franchise into the currently purely U.S.-based NFL wouldn't be easy. It would require multiple teams traveling abroad each season and likely a totally unique schedule—perhaps two four/five-game home stands in London, paired with month-long trips to the U.S.

The other question is whether English fans would abandon their current NFL fandoms to support a local franchise.

"I would absolutely support a London team, get season ticket, the works—but if they play the Patriots, I know who I'm backing," Andrew Gamble, founder of the British Playbook podcast, said, per Jack Bantock of CNN.

Still, if the NFL does found an international franchise—and doesn't want to compete with the CFL in Canada—London will almost certainly be the first choice.