The NFL is America’s most popular sports league, with 32 teams entertaining millions of fans every season. Yet several major cities are still on the sidelines, eager to join the football frenzy. Let’s explore 15 sports cities that have all the right ingredients for an NFL team but remain overlooked by the league.
Mexico City, Mexico
As one of the world’s largest cities, Mexico City is an intriguing option for NFL expansion. With over 22 million residents and a history of hosting 75 matches annually, it’s surprising that the NFL has yet to look their way. The city even has a stadium, Estadio Azteca, which accommodates over 87,000 people.
San Antonio, Texas
Despite housing the NBA’s Spurs, San Antonio still doesn’t have an NFL team. As a neighbor to Dallas and Houston, this city is well-acquainted with the sports scene, and an NFL team would create a rivalry with the nearby Cowboys and Texans. Its Alamodome stadium has already hosted NFL games—all that’s missing is the team.
St. Louis, Missouri
Once home to the Rams, St. Louis lost that title to Los Angeles in 2016, leaving locals heartbroken. The same happened in 1988 when their Cardinals relocated to Arizona. In the absence of an NFL team, sports fans have supported their city’s baseball and ice hockey teams, the Cardinals and Blues.
Sacramento, California
California’s capital is known primarily for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, but it could also host the NFL. Its proximity to major markets like Oakland and Los Angeles would likely spur more profitable rivalries for the league. If the NFL expands here, it would be the fourth franchise in the city.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Football is already popular in this region, with the University of Oklahoma’s Sooners drawing massive crowds. An NFL club would tap into the state’s passion for the sport and further solidify this city as a significant player in American sports. As Oklahoma has housed the NBA’s Thunder since 2008, it’s certainly ripe for the NFL.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii may seem like an unlikely NFL destination, but Honolulu has a long football history. According to the Pro Football Reference, the Aloha state has produced 121 NFL talents, including Tua Tagovailoa and Marcus Mariota. While logistical challenges exist, the city’s football culture and stadium infrastructure make it a fun possibility for the future.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its passionate fan base, Portland is a growing sports hub supporting teams in the NBA and MLS. An already-established love for sports and room for another major league team are good arguments in Portland’s favor. Plus, the city’s proximity to Seattle could foster a natural feud with the Seahawks.
San Jose, California
Other cities like Los Angeles and Oakland have dominated the California NFL scene, but San Jose has been left out. Still, it has a history of supporting professional teams and is home to the NHL’s Sharks. As the largest city in Silicon Valley, its $385 billion economy would be fertile ground for an NFL franchise.
Hartford, Connecticut
Despite their smaller population, Connecticuters love football and have long supported college football programs like the UConn Huskies. As the capital, the city’s central location could attract fans statewide. And with no professional football team in the area, it just might nurture a loyal following.
Jackson, Mississippi
Mississippi lives and breathes football, with college teams like Ole Miss and Mississippi State fueling intense rivalries. However, the state still needs a professional team of its own. Jackson, the capital of Mississippi and its most populated city, could be the perfect route to connect the NFL to the Magnolia State.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The success of Utah’s college football programs means the NFL could thrive there as well. This city also supports the NBA’s Utah Jazz and MLS’s Real Salt Lake, showing its ability to sustain professional sports teams. With a growing population and a sports-loving culture, Salt Lake City could easily transition into an NFL base.
Bronx, New York
New York City already hosts the Jets and Giants, but both teams play in the metropolitan area, so the Bronx is definitely open to a sports expansion. An NFL team would give the borough something unique to support, aside from its college teams. The fan base is already there—loyal and ready to support a team of their own.
Orlando, Florida
The NBA’s Magic and MLS’s City SC have marked their territory in Orlando, but the NFL is yet to claim its borders. As the city hosts over 70 million visitors annually, it could easily accommodate another professional franchise. An NFL team in Orlando could tap into the city’s tourism-driven economy and create a new football hotspot.
Austin, Texas
Austin is home to the University of Texas, where Longhorn football reigns supreme. At the professional level, there’s the MLS’ Austin FC and the Austin Outlaws, amongst other sports. Its vibrant Latino and Mexican heritage also attracts over 27 million annual tourists, which makes it one of the hottest spots in the country.
Spokane, Washington
In eastern Washington, Spokane may not be the first option for an NFL team, but it holds untapped potential. Spokane is home to sports fans who regularly support college athletics, particularly the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team. Though smaller in population, the city’s proximity to Seattle could spark a rivalry with the Seahawks and bring in more supporters.
15 Sports Cities Still Waiting for an NFL Team