While on a promotional tour around London, which is prepping to host the Olympics this summer, to promote the New England
Patriots’ October game against the St. Louis Rams in London Robert Kraft said it would be good for the NFL to have a team located overseas.
“I personally think we should have a franchise in London and that is something I am going to push for,” Kraft said, according to SkySports.com. “I think I said that the last time we were over here in 2009 and before this next decade is out, I hope we have a team here. I think that would be right for the NFL and this fan base has proven they deserve it.”
Kraft however was adamant that the NFL based team in England, would not be the one from New England. He did however say they’d be interested in participating in a game annually in London until they have their own NFL Franchise.
“We lobbied hard to come back after having such a good experience in 2009. We would love to be the permanent visiting team. It was good for team bonding and everyone really enjoyed our last trip to London,” he said, before noting the support the Patriots receive from their growing UK fan base.
Robert Kraft at one point was rumored to be a potential investor in the English soccer team Liverpool, before it was eventually sold to Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Kraft told BBC “Liverpool is a great brand and it’s something our family respects a lot. We’re always interested in opportunities and growing, so you never know what can happen.” The team was then sold to New England Sports Venture, the group that owns the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Ballpark.
The Patriots and the Rams will square off at Wembley Stadium on October 28th.