NFL to play four games in London in 2019

NEW YORK (UPI) — The NFL will feature four regular-season games in London next season, with two at Wembley Stadium and two at the new stadium being built for Premier League team Tottenham.

The league did not announce which teams would travel across the Atlantic Ocean or when the games will be played.

“The NFL in London is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that we will have four games in the capital next year, with Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium joining Wembley as a host venue,” UK Minister for Sport Tracey Couch said in a statement.

“The league brings an incredible Super Bowl-style atmosphere to the UK, with fans sporting jerseys from a range of NFL teams packing out Wembley this autumn in record numbers. I am sure the two games at Tottenham next year will also be a huge success as the UK will once again show its passion and enthusiasm for this fantastic sport.”

While the matchups have yet to be set, the Jacksonville Jaguars have competed in London in every season since 2013.

Jaguars owner Shad Khan recently withdrew his bid to outright purchase Wembley Stadium, noting a lack of unanimous support for his bid.

Three games were played in London during a three-week stretch this season, with all three being held in front of a sold-out audience at Wembley Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium is scheduled to open in 2019.

The NFL has played at least one regular-season game in London every year since 2007. All but three of the contests in England have been played at Wembley Stadium, with Twickenham Stadium hosting the others in 2016 and 2017.

“London is the world’s sporting capital and hosting NFL matches here is fantastic for fans of American football in the UK as well as supporters from all over Europe,” The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said.

“The NFL brings huge benefits for our city and showcases London to millions of viewers overseas. We’ve staged some mouth-watering matches here and hope to host even more in the years to come as we demonstrate that London Is Open.”