NFL in the UK

Some of the football in London during October will be a little more physical than usual as it hits us American-style, with the 2025 NFL (National Football League) International Series returning to the capital with three regular-season games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley. The games are on three successive Sundays and start at 2.30pm. So regardless of whether you see yourself as a Viking, a Ram, or a Jaguar, tune in to watch the brand-new coverage on Channel 5.

History

England hosted its first NFL game in 2007 with a single regular-season league fixture between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in front of 81,000 fans. The Giants secured a narrow 13-10 victory in what was the first regular-season NFL game played outside North America. The NFL launched a rather cheeky attempt in 2012 to become the anchor tenant of London’s Olympic Stadium with exclusive access, before this prestigious venue became the home ground of West Ham United.

Wembley hosted one featured NFL game each year before expanding to two fixtures in 2013 and three in 2014 and 2015. The Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to play a home game in London each year.

In 2019 the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium became the first purpose-built NFL stadium outside the US and joined Wembley as a host venue. The partnership with Tottenham has since been extended through the 2029/30 NFL season.

So, what is the benefit of hosting these matches in the UK?  Well, for the NFL they represent a cornerstone to the league’s global expansion model. Since the introduction of the International Series in 2007, London has hosted over 35 NFL games, attracting an average of 85,000 fans per game at both Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadiums. These matchups consistently draw attendees from over 40 different countries.

How does Britain benefit? According to London & Partners sports economy data, the NFL London games inject an estimated £90 million annually into the UK economy, mainly through tourism, as more than a quarter of ticket sales are to people traveling  from outside of the UK. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions in London have seen their trade increase by up to 30 per cent during the NFL weekends, creating over 2,500 temporary and full-time jobs across the hospitality, security, transport, and media sectors.

5 October – Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns

In what will be week five of the regular NFL season, the Vikings are making their second straight appearance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and their fifth regular season appearance in London overall. They have had previous success in London, notably against the Browns in 2017. A classic clash of styles is anticipated, with the Vikings known for their explosive offence and strong running game, matched against the Browns who are renowned for their uncompromising defence led by defensive end Myles Garrett. The Vikings have one of the highest regular-season points averages of teams which have never won Super Bowl. The Browns, named after their original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, reached the playoffs in 2020 and 2023 but are one of only four teams never to have reached the Super Bowl in their history (the others being the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars).

12 October – Denver Broncos vs New York Jets

This will be the Broncos’ third appearance in London and their first since 2022, with a 1-0 record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Head Coach Sean Payton employs a playing style characterized by a blend of offensive efficiency and defensive aggression, which last year saw them make the playoffs. The Broncos won the last of their three Super Bowls in 2015. The New York Jets (originally the Titans of New York) have now gone 15 years since making the playoffs, but have a strong young offensive line which they hope will suit their run-heavy offensive tactics centred around quarterback Justin Fields. The Jets won their only Super Bowl back in 1968.

19 October – Los Angeles Rams vs Jacksonville Jaguars

After last year’s disappointing record of 3-14, the Florida-based Jags made big changes in the summer, bringing in coaches James Gladstone and Liam Coen from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The new regime has wasted no time bringing 12 free agents into the squad and picking up the exciting two-way Travis Hunter in the NFL draft, who can play in both defence and offence. Jacksonville has reached the playoffs eight times since the franchise was formed in 1995. The Rams will be looking to continue last year’s end-of-season form which secured them a place in the playoffs for the sixth time in eight years. Owner Stan Kroenke (who also owns Arsenal FC) has one of the most highly-rated head coaches in the NFL in Sean McVay, the youngest coach in history to win a Super Bowl after leading the Rams to their second title in 2021. The electric Davante Adams at wide receiver is the one to watch.

The Great Debate: Did the Lionesses’ goalie cheat?

After England won the women’s Euros on penalties this summer, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton revealed in a talkSPORT radio interview that she threw her opposite number Cata Coll’s water bottle into the crowd – with her cheat sheet attached. Hampton said: “The Spanish keeper had the penalty information on her bottle, so I thought when she was going in goal, I’d just pick it up and chuck it into the English fans so she can’t have it. I don’t ever put it on a bottle because anyone can do that, so I put it on my arm.” Was this a clever bit of ‘gamesmanship’ or a form of cheating? 

YES, SHE CHEATED

Interfering with an opponent’s equipment in an attempt to compromise their performance is basically cheating. What if an opponent stole the laces from Usain Bolt’s spikes to delay the start of the Olympic 100m final?

Competitors should act in a fair and sporting manner. Hampton’s actions, and the fact that she celebrated what she did, could set a bad example for young sportsmen and sportswomen.

So-called ‘gamesmanship’ – using cunning to get an edge on an opponent – is not in the spirit of sport. If you want to enhance your level, train harder and practice for longer.

NO, SHE WAS JUST CLEVER

Football has plenty of laws that players must abide by, and those who break them must accept the punishment. In this case, Hampton broke no rules, as she just pushed a boundary to gain a slim advantage. She has faced no fine or suspension, even after admitting the act.

Many keepers, like Coll, will write their penalty notes on their water bottle – a practice which has now been exposed. Hampton taped hers to her arm, which was clearly more secure and still within the rules.

Sports Bites

Darts 

The top 30 players come together to compete in the World Grand Prix taking place at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester from 6 to 12 October. This unique event in the darting calendar requires players to start and finish on a double. Last year Belgium’s Mike De Decker, a 200-1 shot before the tournament, created the biggest upset of the year by defeating world number one Luke Humphries 6-4 in the final to win his first major championship.

Weightlifting 

The 2025 IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) World Championships take place in Førde, Norway, from 2 to 11 October. Over 600 male and female athletes from 100 nations will compete in 10 weight categories, ranging from 45kg to 109kg.