NFL Owners Approve International Games [Archive] - Baltimore Ravens Forums and Message Boards

52RAYVENS

10-24-2006, 07:15 PM

NFL Owners Approve International Games
By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer
1 hour ago

NEW ORLEANS - Two NFL regular-season games will be played each year outside the United States in Mexico, Canada and Europe, starting in 2007.

The plan, first announced last month, was approved Tuesday at the recommendation of new commissioner Roger Goodell.

No specific sites were given for the games. But when the proposal originally was disclosed, the league suggested that Britain and Germany likely would host the European games.

The plan would be set up so that teams would rotate over a 16-year period, with each team playing outside the country twice over that span, once as a visitor, the other as a home team. That means a team would lose one home team during that span.

Losing the home-game revenue was the main objection raised by some teams.

"We're going to get compensated," said Pat Bowlen, owner of the Denver Broncos. "Obviously the league's going to work out the economics and if we lose a home game, we'll get compensated.

"We're comfortable with it. Obviously we'd like to play in Mexico or Canada and not have to travel to Europe and that's probably the way it would be set up because of our location. But as far as the league's concerned, I think it's a great idea."

In 2005, the NFL staged its first regular-season game outside the United States when the Arizona Cardinals hosted the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City. A crowd of 103,467 flocked to Azteca Stadium, the largest crowd for a regular-season game in NFL history.

The league also has played numerous exhibition games overseas for the past two decades. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will play a preseason game next August in Beijing.

"This step comes in response to the tremendous and growing interest in the NFL around the world. The owners believe that hosting regular-season games outside the United States on a regular basis is in the best interests of the league and will help to increase the fan base, build awareness of the NFL and grow the sport worldwide," Goodell said.

Mark Waller, senior vice president of NFL International, said last month the league believes fans in a number of countries are now ready for the real thing. NFL games regularly have been televised live in Mexico and Canada and more recently in Europe, notably Britain.

"The preseason games and American Bowl games have worked well to introduce fans to the game," Waller said. "Once fans have gotten to know it and understand it, they are very aware that the regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl are the real thing."

Mr.Boh

10-24-2006, 09:51 PM

I guess Japan didnt make the cut. I would LOVE to travel to europe for a Ravens game though, particulary England.

Mista T

10-24-2006, 10:18 PM

:thumbup:

kiwiraven

10-25-2006, 02:19 AM

Great, :thumbup:

Hopefully there is a Ravens game on by the time I go on my OE.

OwingsMillsAlex

10-25-2006, 07:22 AM

If they take away one of our Home Games then I want the Pre-Season games for free. Don't make me have to pay for two meaningless games to then lose one of our eight Home Games on top of that.

Losac

10-25-2006, 08:34 AM

Horrible, horrible, horrible idea. :thumbdown:

Great, take away a homegame from the people of BALTIMORE and give it to Germany or Britain where most don't give a shit about NFL football or the Baltimore Ravens (I know we have a large UK Ravens contingent on these boards, just speaking on a large scale). More proof the league is only interested in money.

camdenyard

10-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Rack Iosac.

This is a kick in the groin to the home fans who only get to see maybe 8 meaningful games per year as it is.

How many fans are really going to travel to Hamburg or London to see a game? Vancouver maybe...Mexico City, no way.

And how they compensate the fan who loses a game will be interesting.

PARavensJeff

10-25-2006, 09:22 AM

I don't like it, even if it is only 1 home game every 16 years. I agree, we already get soaked for 2 meaningless pre season games, now we have to give up 1 of the real games so the owners can make more money. This is proof again that the league, owners, & players could care less about Joe Fan.

RavensInBrazil

10-25-2006, 10:06 AM

I think this attitude is a little selfish. A sacrifice of a home game in 16 years (sixteen!) is nothing compared to what it will bring for the fans around the world, who have never gotten the opportunity to go see a game of a sport they like (or even love, as is my case), or especially of their team. This will bring an increase of interest in the sport worldwide, which is great

If a Ravens game were, hypothetically, to be held in São Paulo or Rio, I would haul my ass over there no matter the cost, as I'm sure would a number of fans from all over the country. Perhaps it would be nice of you to think of the Raven, or just generally the football fans which do NOT reside in Baltimore. The interest in football outside the US is bigger than you think, and it's growing very very fast

UKRavenStockers

10-25-2006, 10:42 AM

The new Wembley (where some of these games will be held) will seat 90,000 people I'd guarantee that'll be sold out and I'll be trying to get at least 20 or so tickets to take people along that I know. Yes it loses the homefield advantage for one game every 16 years for every club, but the game is spreading like wildfire across Europe at the mo with more people getting into it all the time and the NFL actually actively marketing it this time, not setting it as a niche sport and not bothering with anymore. This time they're actually investing in it properly and actively marketing the game fully, I can understand fans in the US who hold season tickets and PSL's being dissapointed on their personal level, but I hope that in the same way they understand that I and every other massive NFL fan in the UK absolutely cannot wait for these games to get here, I've experienced the Baltimore gameday experience and I'll be back, but going to the game with people that I've watched with for years now is something we're all very excited about.

Plus if the Ravens come over it gives the UKRavens the opportunity to reciprocate the welcome you gave us this September. :)

Ravenfanmike

10-25-2006, 11:26 AM

Totally against the idea. Agree with what Alex said about having to pay for meaningless preseason games.

FadeToBlack

10-25-2006, 12:15 PM

I'm for the idea, provided they can compensate the PSL holder appropriately. Some might hate me for saying this, but after having season tickets for several years, I started to lose my appreciation for each individual game. A game against the Buffalo Bills, for example, is pretty much nothing to me anymore, but it might mean something to someone overseas.

braven98

10-25-2006, 04:42 PM

the nfl is turning into a joke,

Art-Florida

10-25-2006, 05:23 PM

the nfl is turning into a joke,

Not really, it's turning into something very serious indeed.

Disclaimer: I am a football fan, and have been a long long time, (since age ten) but...

NFL football is the closest thing there is to organized mechanized warfare.
The fact that more people outside of North America are becoming enamored with it is troublesome. Do we really want people in Leningrad, Limerick, London, and Dresden doing High fives and chicken noodle dances?

Militarism. Not a good trend. Nevertheless...Go Killarney!

FellsPointRaven

10-25-2006, 05:24 PM

the nfl is turning into a joke,

How is that? Because it wants to make money and recognizes the best new avenues to maximize on this? Because it wants to expose its excellent product to a new, so far largely untapped fanbase?

As people have stated, we're talking one home game in 16 years. Being biased here, I think our Raven brothers in the UK deserve a chance to show to their friends what our boys can do - and hopefully convert a few more limeys to the purple and black. The ultimate goal I am sure is to truly globalize the sport and perhaps have competitive franchises (NOT NFL Europe in its current 'glorified training camp' form) overseas. It would be nice to have a true World, as opposed to National Champion, as exists at the moment. As I have said elsewhere, I doubt that goal will be accomplished, but I can't blame the league for trying to expand its reach and maximise its exposure.

As far as PSL's go, I'm sure we would pay for just 9, as opposed to 10, home games that particular season. At least we'd better, or I'll instantly oppose the idea!

FellsPointRaven

10-25-2006, 05:26 PM

NFL football is the closest thing there is to organized mechanized warfare.
The fact that more people outside of North America are becoming enamored with it is troublesome. Do we really want people in Leningrad, Limerick, London, and Dresden doing High fives and chicken noodle dances?

Militarism. Not a good trend. Nevertheless...Go Killarney!

Well I saw Ravens fans singing English soccer chants and throwing celery at Raiders fan this year, and that turned out OK.

Although given the choice, I would prefer to not see Europeans doing a chicken noodle dance.

highwater

10-25-2006, 05:42 PM

UKRavenStockers

10-25-2006, 05:51 PM

This idea SUCKS! I've heard or read that the league will compensate the teams that have to lose a home game, but what about the fans, and the vendors that make a living on these home games? How are they going to be compensated? The quick answer is that they won't be.

And the notion of having a game in Germany strikes me as a little stupid -- how many people in Germany even understand the NFL, much less like it? This isn't like the NBA. They have been playing basketball over there for quite a while, but our version of football is probably pretty strange to them.

What the hell, it's just another money grab by the league. I guess we should be used to it by now.

Germany is the home of five NFL Europe teams, all of which draw over 15,000 fans pretty much every week. For that standard of football, frankly that's brilliant attendance.

Yes it's a money grab, but don't doubt people's understanding of the game, there are plenty of people all over Europe who watch the game every week and have a fantastic understanding of the game. I'll watch usually 6 games a week live and various others on archive, that's readily available and there are lots who do it.

As I've said before the London games will be played at the new Wembley and all 90,000 of those lovely new seats will be filled, with me bringing along many many many people.

Greg

10-25-2006, 06:03 PM

I think it is a great idea, so what if I lose one home game every 16 years. It means I can travel every 8 years to some cool new place to see the Ravens, introduce tailgating American style and learn tailgating British or German style. The English food would probably suck, but they are one hell of a party group. The Germans, how about those bratwursts! The NFL won't be played in Paris, after one hit the whole country would surrender to the teams on the field.

UKRavenStockers

10-25-2006, 06:08 PM

The English food would probably suck

Ooooohhh, that's a low blow Greg, I'm sure we could come up with something. :D

highwater

10-25-2006, 06:56 PM

Why does everyone pick on English food and English chefs? After a few tasty English ales, you won't really notice the food that much anyway.

As far as the attendance at NFL Europe games, 15,000 doesn't seem like a lot to me, but UKRavenStockers makes a good point in that this is basically minor league football, and as such, maybe that really is good attendance. I don't really know. Sending two teams to Germany just still seems like an odd idea to me.

But then again, having a game in Canada also seems weird. It's obviously not much of a trip, but why? They have their own pro football league already, and I think they are already quite familiar with the NFL. I don't think they are going to expand the fan base that much by playing a game in Canada.

Mista T

10-25-2006, 07:12 PM

I don't think they are going to expand the fan base that much by playing a game in Canada.

Your probably right, since most Canadians have access to Fox and CBS anyway.

But that's not true in Europe, Asia and Latin America (outside of Mexico the and Caribbean). Have you ever seen the viewership numbers of the Olympics? World-wide TV audiences is where the NFL is opening a new frontier.

As to the complaints about the PSLs: it is true that PSL owners will be denied one of 128 home games every 16 years, and there's no way that the NFL teams are going to provide a 1/128th refund. On the other hand, suppose NFL revenues increase by 10-20% for world-wide broadcasting rights? Everything else being equal, ticket price increases could be mitigated.

I think it's a good idea and an excellent scheduling plan. I am looking forward to booking flights around a Ravens game in London, Munich, Rio de Janeiro or Vancouver. It would be the most memorable road trip ever!

:mrt:

highwater

10-25-2006, 07:29 PM

I think it's a good idea and an excellent scheduling plan.

T, why is it a good idea and an excellent scheduling plan? Aside from the fact that you might now have a reason to schedule trips to Munich and London, and that the league might take in some extra revenue, how does all that benefit the average fan? I agree that a road trip to Europe would be cool, but the average fan is not going to fly overseas for that game. This plan only benefits the owners, who have quite enough money already. :thumbdown:

52RAYVENS

10-25-2006, 08:27 PM

The NFL won't be played in Paris, after one hit the whole country would surrender to the teams on the field.

:rolling:

Art-Florida

10-25-2006, 09:10 PM

The first game in Wembley should be between New England and Seattle. I mean who could possibly resist a rematch between the Patriots and the SS?
:)

bassgtrst

10-25-2006, 09:34 PM

Just watch. The NFL will screw us.

They will have us playing Indy in Siberia coming off a short week from a Monday nighter against Pittsburgh, with an upcoming Thursday nighter against Cinci. Both on the road.

Just watch.

RavensInBrazil

10-25-2006, 09:44 PM

how does all that benefit the average fan?

Perhaps it doesn't, but it really benefits the international fans, of which there are many

Losac

10-26-2006, 10:34 AM

Perhaps it doesn't, but it really benefits the international fans, of which there are many
Sorry, but if international fans want to see a Baltimore Ravens game, let them fly to Baltimore.

:thumbdown: to this idea in a big way.

PARavensJeff

10-26-2006, 10:41 AM

Well, we better not have a Steelers, Bengals, or Browns home game moved out. What's wrong w/ continuing to give them the preseason? Hell as far as I'm concerned, they can move out both home preseason games every year & I'll keep that ransom money they make us pay every year to have season tickets. If you want to call me selfish, go ahead. I live in PA & drive to Baltimore. I have a friend who was transfered to Cleveland for 3 years, didn't give up his tickets & came back for every home game. He's been back here for a couple years. This is the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, not the WORLD FOOTBALL LEAGUE,which they tried in 74 & failed.

camdenyard

10-26-2006, 12:22 PM

I think this attitude is a little selfish. A sacrifice of a home game in 16 years (sixteen!) is nothing compared to what it will bring for the fans around the world, who have never gotten the opportunity to go see a game of a sport they like (or even love, as is my case), or especially of their team. This will bring an increase of interest in the sport worldwide, which is great

Selfish? Well, if it seems that I'm not all broken up about how someone 5000+ miles away can't see an NFL game in person, you're right. Especially when it takes a home game away from me. And frankly, the NFL is doing pretty well already, it does nothing for me to market it to the world audience. This is about money, nothing else.

If you are that anxious to see a game, do what the UK folks did, get on a plane and expeirence a Ravens game in the way it was meant to be enjoyed - in Baltimore.

EDIT: How about what travelling around the world and playing games at 3:00AM does to the players and its affect on them the next week. I'd call it a disadvantage.

RavensInBrazil

10-26-2006, 01:16 PM

Selfish? Well, if it seems that I'm not all broken up about how someone 5000+ miles away can't see an NFL game in person, you're right. Especially when it takes a home game away from me. And frankly, the NFL is doing pretty well already, it does nothing for me to market it to the world audience. This is about money, nothing else.

If you are that anxious to see a game, do what the UK folks did, get on a plane and expeirence a Ravens game in the way it was meant to be enjoyed - in Baltimore.

If does nothing for YOU, YOU don't care, YOU don't want a home game taken from YOU...didn't they teach you to share in kindergarten? ):

I'm just glad about this decision. Fortunately for ME and for the thousands of fans abroad, you guys aren't commissioners (:

Oh, and if it was a choice, believe me, I'd be flying to Baltimore non-stop

PARavensJeff

10-26-2006, 02:00 PM

"As to the complaints about the PSLs: it is true that PSL owners will be denied one of 128 home games every 16 years, and there's no way that the NFL teams are going to provide a 1/128th refund. On the other hand, suppose NFL revenues increase by 10-20% for world-wide broadcasting rights? Everything else being equal, ticket price increases could be mitigated."

Come on Mista T, they're not going to mitigate ticket prices, they'll figure out a way to charge us the same amount that year we miss a game. They're not going to give revenue back because they are nice guys or care about the fans, they don't. They only care how deep they can line their own pockets. They think of ways to suck even more of your money out of your wallet.

My season ticket price has increased from $35 per ticket in 96 to $50 per ticket today, an increase of over 43% in 11 years.

I am selfish, I am a BALTIMORE RAVEN fan & I expect my team to play all regular season games in Baltimore. Does anyone know what the Ravens lease says? I am sure a lot of these teams leases state they have to play all regular season games at the specific stadium that was built for them by the taxpayers.

Greg

10-26-2006, 02:02 PM

My season ticket price has increased from $35 per ticket in 96 to $50 per ticket today, an increase of over 43% in 11 years.
What was your home worth then and what is it worth now? How much has gas gone up?

On that lease thing, you might have something there. Especially where PSLs are involved.

ravensfan1996

10-26-2006, 04:24 PM

UKRavenStockers

10-26-2006, 05:31 PM

A few Comments:

British food....why did all my meals come with peas, and whats up with your bacon over there??? looks like ham....haha

NFL playing a game over seas---why not continue with the preseason games overseas???? the fans of the world get to see the game live, still can experiece nfl live action, the fans wont miss missing a home preseason game?? its not like the NFL can feasibly bring in a few teams from around the world to join the nfl.

Losing one home game---means alot when there is only 8 of them...its not like baseball where you get 81 and missing one wouldnt matter.

I do like the idea of seeing the ravens in wembley.....but rio or mexico city? no thanks...

I'd expect that an eastern seaboard team like the Ravens etc. would get their home games shipped to London (*prays/barracks the NFL offices in London if not) or Germany depending on which yearly rotation the Ravens lose their home game on, rather than Canada or Mexico. Also my understanding is that the four countries in the dual rotations are Mexico/Canada and England/Germany, I haven't read anything anywhere that any other countries will be included in the rotation, this makes sense to me as they've been doing a lot of research into suitable stadia and have found only two suitable in England and not too many in Germany either, not sure they'd risk it by going to other countries like France or Italy where the majority of the attendance would be made up by Brits and Germans travelling in for the game.

P.S. With regards the bacon, I'll take my British bacon, the only stuff I had in Baltimore this September was horrendously salty for my taste :eek:

Mista T

10-26-2006, 06:28 PM

T, why is it a good idea and an excellent scheduling plan? Aside from the fact that you might now have a reason to schedule trips to Munich and London, and that the league might take in some extra revenue, how does all that benefit the average fan? I agree that a road trip to Europe would be cool, but the average fan is not going to fly overseas for that game.

It's an excellent scheduling plan because each NFL team has to give up only one out of 128 home games every 16 years, gets a bye the week afterwards, etc.

It's a good idea because it spreads NFL football around the globe, and may bring in sufficient additional TV revenue that the escalation of NFL stadium ticket prices may be retarded.

As to the average fan: let's define the average fan. Exclude the couch potatoes, because they are not impacted by all this, i.e. a TV game = a TV game, regardless of locale. I see the "average fan" as one who is paying about $75 per seat, takes his wife and two kids to the game to total $300, pays $35 to park, spends about $50 on concessions. This guy can afford a trip to London or Munich, with Fall air fares in the range of $300-$400to Mexico and certainly Canada are cheaper yet. Also remember he's not spending near $400 for the game that was moved overseas.

Ravens fans travel well. I would not be surprised to see 3,000 to 5,000 making the trip to a good destination.

I've been looking for an excuse to go back to Britain or Germany for many years now. Fall is the best time to travel there. I would be psyched to see the Ravens chosen to play next year.:thumbup:

:T2:

btw: if you think English food is bland, have you ever had a meal in Scotland or Ireland? :rolleyes:

UKRavenStockers

10-26-2006, 06:40 PM

btw: if you think English food is bland, have you ever had a meal in Scotland or Ireland? :rolleyes:

You call haggis bland? ;)

Also, who goes to Ireland to eat? :D :beer:

PARavensJeff

10-26-2006, 07:19 PM

Hey Greg, I know the value of my home has increased since the Ravens have moved here & we are ripped off on gas prices, my point is I invested in this team in 96 to see them here. I don't like this idea & never will. They can move all my pre season home games, just don't mess with my real football.

I think since the games will be moved, & they will, & we can't do anything about it, the tickets should be sold to us as part of our season ticket package. It's then up to us to - A) Travel to the game site & use them or B)Sell them to the highest bidder & make some money. We're stuck with it people so let's make the best of it. Look, if they're going to move us, I vote for Toronto, becasue most of us could get there, it's only about an 8 or 9 hour drive, just like going to Cleveland.

Mista T

10-26-2006, 09:29 PM

I think since the games will be moved, & they will, & we can't do anything about it, the tickets should be sold to us as part of our season ticket package. It's then up to us to - A) Travel to the game site & use them or B)Sell them to the highest bidder & make some money.

Jeff: I don't see the above scenario at all. The Ravens would face fan lawsuits if they tried to force us to buy tickets to a game across the Atlantic. Some may even try it anyway, e.g. a breach of the PSL agreement. Most likely scenario on tickets would be similar to Super Bowl tickets: there would be a limited number available to the season-ticket holding fans of both teams, with a priorty order of Suite holders, club seat holders, general admission, and then open to the public (brokers will try to scoff them up) if any are left over.

:T2:

knots

10-26-2006, 10:22 PM

You call haggis bland? ;)

Also, who goes to Ireland to eat? :D :beer:

haggis isn't a food, it's a toxic substance disguised as food....if you can throw it, you shouldn't eat......

Having lived in England and Germany, I can attest that there are more NFL fans that you would think and they do understand the game fairly well...the best move the NFL made was selling game rights to European Broadcasters and building the fan base while creating another revenue stream...despite the time difference, the numbers watching the NFL in Europe is growing. Granted, the NFL will never challenge soccer as the world's #1 sport, but there is nothing wrong with aiming to be #2....globalization is the way of the future...

I have no problem with giving up one home game every 16 years as long as I get the ticket so I can decide whether I want to go or not...depending on the location, that kind of road trip is worth every penny....There are any number of stadiums in Europe that are the equal of M&T Bank Stadium...

ravensfan1996

10-27-2006, 12:54 PM

Hey I was looking for info about Navy v Notre Dame tomorrow and found this out......

Anyone want to plan a Navy away trip to Dublin, Ireland??

The legendary Navy - Notre Dame football series got a 10-year extension this week and - as part of the new deal - the teams agreed to face off in Dublin, Ireland in 2012. Navy & Notre Dame last played in Dublin in 1996, a game the Irish won 54-27.

The 2012 Dublin game will be a "home" game for Navy. All home games for Notre Dame will be played in South Bend, while sites for the Navy home games have yet to be confirmed.

and how is that a home game for navy??????? the fighting irish in ireland??

UKRavenStockers

10-27-2006, 01:02 PM

I had heard about that a while ago and will definately be attending that one, know a couple of ND fans in the UK who I'll probably be going with.

It's gonna be held at Croke Park which seats 80,000 so whilst it's not a home game per se, if Navy gets all the gate receipts from it then it'll be a good money spinner for them.

RavenTD

10-27-2006, 01:09 PM

Hey I was looking for info about Navy v Notre Dame tomorrow and found this out......

Anyone want to plan a Navy away trip to Dublin, Ireland??

Nice find,that will worth a trip across.

As to NFL games abroad.I agree with all you guys,what right do the owners have to take a home game away from you all.After all the PSL money you have pumped in.Was there even a fan vote to get some feedback how you all feel.No way.

I'd prefer to be in M&T and savor that atmosphere.Than sitting in wembley with 40,000 people of the 90,000[I'll believe it when I see it] people who don't know what the frig is going on.

I have been embarrassed at being in Wembley with dwindling numbers watching American Bowls,and the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football.If we can get 90,000
fans in the new wembley screaming their heads off.Then I may change my mind.I will be there watching whoever is playing.

But I say once again the greedy owners are screwing Joe the fan as usual.

Art-Florida

10-27-2006, 03:44 PM

I have what I think are two very workable solutions.

1. (the lesser) Play ALL exhibition games out-of-country. No regular season games overseas. Season holders get a reduction, and the NFL splits the profits between the home locastion and the NFL teams.

2. (the better one) As was discussed on PFT, make the season 17 games. (maybe drop one pre-season game?) Each team then gets 8 home games, 8 away games, and one game in an 'exotic' location. That way fans of each team also get to attend one game overseas each year - if they so choose.

The latter should work ok, at least until the NFL expands and sets up an overseas division, which is inevitable in the future.

CrowMST3k

10-29-2006, 11:33 AM

Horrid idea.

It's not only losing the home revenue, but taking away a homegame from a season-ticket holder. Blasphemy.

skaybaltimore

12-16-2006, 10:18 AM

Not really, it's turning into something very serious indeed.

Disclaimer: I am a football fan, and have been a long long time, (since age ten) but...

NFL football is the closest thing there is to organized mechanized warfare.
The fact that more people outside of North America are becoming enamored with it is troublesome. Do we really want people in Leningrad, Limerick, London, and Dresden doing High fives and chicken noodle dances?

Militarism. Not a good trend. Nevertheless...Go Killarney!
I see this as a major "New World Order"/globalist enterprise. Nuff said?

GO RAVENS!!!

skaybaltimore

12-16-2006, 10:27 AM

Sorry, but if international fans want to see a Baltimore Ravens game, let them fly to Baltimore.

:thumbdown: to this idea in a big way.Amen.

GO RAVENS!!!

phatboy

12-16-2006, 08:08 PM

The only thing that scares me about football in Europe would be if the crazy soccer fans turn into American Football fans. We are nuts but it is controlled rage. Over there those fans are just plain friggin nuts. I would love to travel to London for a game. The food there is just fine. Roast Beef and Yorshire Pudding yum yum.

Filmstudy

12-16-2006, 11:22 PM

Art, I like the 17-game season idea, but the players union will not be happy with that. IMO, the way to fix that is:

1. No US fan is forced to buy a foreign ticket ever, but has a priority opportunity to purchase.

2. All game revenues (gross, not net) go to the players union to use as they see fit. To be marketable to the players, this is going to need to be in the $100 million range for 16 games.

3. The owners win by increasing the popularity of the league on a global scale with the resulting merchandising and broadcast value.

With 16 games per year, exotic locations can include Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Those locations could also include potential new North American expansion sites.