Jaguars looking to extend London lease

The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently slated to play one home game in London, England through the 2016 National Football League regular season. Owner Shad Khan wants to extend that time frame through 2030, according to Mike DiRocco of ESPN. This is certainly an unpopular choice among Jaguars fans, who have to see playing a home game in London as a significant disadvantage.

"“Nothing definitive, but I’m optimistic that we’ll have a renewal on that and it’ll go for a long time,” Khan said. “I think we would like it to be long term, like 2030, so it’s been probably the No. 1 element in stabilizing the Jacksonville Jaguars.“Hard to believe it’s over, the four-year deal now, but I think it’s a critical part of our franchise to be able to play games there, get the recognition, build the fan base and get sponsors.”"

For Khan, this is all about getting the Jaguars brand on an international scale and increasing marketing range. It’s a terrific business plan, although if the team continues to be hot garbage, it isn’t going to matter. People want to support winning teams, and Jacksonville has not played in the playoffs this decade.

"“For us, London and Jacksonville is almost a great marriage made in heaven,” Khan said. “I would expect the NFL may be looking at other areas, other markets to develop, but we want to have a focus and Jacksonville supplemented with London is our focus.”"

According to DiRocco, team president Mark Lamping says that London accounts for approximately 15 percent of local revenue. Jacksonville has endured problems when it comes to selling out EverBank Stadium in the past, having to tarp off the upper deck of the stadium. While the tarps are gone, perhaps the best attraction at the stadium these days is the swimming pool.