The NFL has long wanted to stretch its wings and feature an international team, and at least for one year it might get its wish. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Oakland Raiders are discussing the possibility of playing their home games in London during the 2019 season.
Oakland Raiders ➡️➡️ London Raiders??@JayGlazer explains how the Raiders could be playing their home games across the pond next year. pic.twitter.com/COd3eYh5F9
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 23, 2018
Of course, the reason this is even being discussed is that the City of Oakland recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Raiders and the NFL over the team’s decision to move to Las Vegas. The suit alleges the move is “illegal” and the city is seeking hundreds of millions in compensation.
Another option is for the team to play nearby at AT&T Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants. However, the San Francisco 49ers would have to sign off on that move due to territorial rights within the market.
Logistically, it would be difficult for a team that plays in the AFC West to have their home games all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. It would seem this notion is far fetched, because you have to believe the other teams in the division would loudly protest such a move due to the extreme traveling constraints.
It seems far more likely that the Raiders and the league come up with a more localized option.