NFL in talks to come to Olympic Stadium

By Rob Virtue on October 31, 2012 12:52 PM |

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Mayor Boris Johnson has had talks with NFL bosses about staging American Football matches at the Olympic Stadium.

The franchise currently has a five-year exclusive deal with Wembley Stadium but if talks go well, NFL clashes could be played in Stratford from 2017.

The mayor's spokesman told the Daily Telegraph: "Given the ever-growing popularity of gridiron on this side of the Atlantic, the mayor and his team have held a number of meetings with senior executives in the last few days to explore further opportunities involving the NFL and London."

Sunday's NFL match at Wembley saw 80,000 fans attend. While last week it was announced two regular matches would be played in London from 2013, making an additional £44million in revenue for the capital.

However, there are growing rumours the NFL would be seen as the anchor tenant for the Olympic Stadium, with some newspapers saying up to 10 American Football games a year could be played there.

West Ham are currently favourites for the position but talks have reportedly stalled over who will fund the alterations to the venue, such as retractable seats.

Assembly Member for City and East John Biggs said making NFL the anchor tenants ahead of West Ham would be an "act of desperation".

"Now it's time to focus on the regeneration of east London, finding a long term sustainable use for the Olympic Stadium is key," he said.

"I have no problem with American Football taking place in Stratford, but as an 'anchor tenant' it would be a pretty weak anchor. The NFL would probably pull out if they didn't generate the crowds and revenues they need.

"The Mayor should focus on finding a long-term tenant for the stadium, rather than indulging on another one of his quick-fix vanity schemes."