Last week, the idea of a possible expansion of the NFL made its way in various American media. The situation has made Canada talk, as the league would view Toronto favorably if it were to expand its frames. The idea is enticing, but it is far from being done.
For decades, the idea of an NFL franchise in Toronto has resurfaced from time to time. From 2008 to 2013, the Bills played one regular season game per year in Queen City.
The league hasn’t set foot there since, but both Commissioner Roger Goodell and a few influential owners have publicly mentioned that Toronto would be an ideal market for the NFL.
Jerry Jones (Cowboys), Arthur Blank (Falcons), John Mara (Giants) and Clark Hunt (Chiefs) are just a few of the select members of the inner circle of billionaire homeowners who have sung the praises of Toronto.
Obviously! The greater Toronto area, which has a population of around six million, is the largest in North America without an NFL team. The pool is big enough to support a team, as is the case with the NBA and major league baseball.
Toronto would be a central market, with many teams within a reasonable radius. It would be a lot easier logistically than the London dream of the NFL.
Exorbitant costs
Going for the bright side of the coin, but an NFL team in Toronto would represent pharaonic investments.
“Forbes” averaged NFL franchises at $ 3.5 billion (US) in its most recent valuation. This is already a significant sum in itself, but that’s not to mention the biggest obstacle between dream and reality for the Goodell circuit to establish itself in metropolitan Ontario.
Toronto does not have a stadium that meets the high standards of the NFL. The most recent stadiums, those in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, were built at a cost of $ 1.8 billion and $ 5.5 billion, respectively. To this, we must add several hundred million for a training site up to date.
What about Buffalo?
Another factor to consider is that the Buffalo Bills probably wouldn’t be keen on welcoming new neighbors.
Buffalo, despite the unrivaled fervor of fans, remains a small market in the NFL. The Bills are currently negotiating with New York State to in turn erect a new stadium that could cost up to $ 1.7 billion.
The proportion of their season ticket holders coming from Ontario would be 15 to 20%. How eager are they to share the pie?
Canadian fans are already committed to the cause of the NFL, which has more to gain by spreading its tentacles in the European market which it continues to develop or in other markets in the United States.
The idea of expanding to Toronto one day is not far-fetched, however. The NFL seems to see a real opportunity there, which is a fundamental point.
The league will do everything in its power over the next few years to drive an 18-game season down their throats. In its insatiable thirst for additional income, a vast expansion in several cities is far from impossible. Toronto will no doubt be in the plans. It remains to be seen whether the obstacles can be overcome.
5 POINTS TO LOOK FOR
1. A big week
Including the games that took place on Thursday, Week 12 in the NFL has a very mouth-watering menu. No less than nine games oppose teams with records of .500 or better. This is the highest total of such games in NFL history in Week 12 or later on the schedule. Enjoy!
2. Two potential “MVPs”
The Colts-Buccaneers duel features two serious MVP contenders. Colts forward Jonathan Taylor became the third forward in eight straight games with at least 100 yards from the scrimmage line and one touchdown. Bucs quarterback Tom Brady has passed the 3,000-yard pass mark for the 19th time, breaking the tie for the record he shared with Brett Favre.
3. The pupil against the teacher
The game between the Titans and the Patriots will be the third between coaches Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel. The latter was recruited in 2001 by Belichick as a linebacker and he had helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl three times. At the helm of the Titans, his record is 2-0 against Belichick. Both victories came at Foxborough, the site of today’s clash.
4. Series revenge
The most intoxicating confrontation of the week is likely to be that between the Rams (7-3) and the Packers (8-3), at the North Pole, in Green Bay. It will be a rematch of the last playoffs, which the Packers won. This season, seven revenge games from the last series have been played and the team that lost last January is 5-2.
5. A strong division
The AFC North Division is the only one in the NFL with all four clubs showing a winning record. Precisely, the Ravens (7-3) will be opposed to the Browns (6-5), while the Bengals (6-4) will face the Steelers (5-4-1). This is only the fifth time since 1970 that all clubs in a division have posted winning records in week 12. This was also the case in this same division, in 2014.
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