The NFL made a name for itself as one of the most followed leagues in the United States and the world at large. It is a given that the league will eventually grow larger given its current standing.
The NFL saw multiple expansions in past centuries, but as its franchises grew into multibillion-dollar businesses, the league essentially became a tightly controlled industry. The Houston Texans were the last team to be allowed into the NFL, and that happened over 20 years ago. Many of the country's football-loving communities are currently not represented in the league.
Domestic expansion in the NFL makes sense right now for a number of reasons, chief among them being financial gain. New owners will step up with billions of dollars when clubs enter the league, which will help the league as a whole.
There is also an extensive roster of athletes that are skilled enough to be in the NFL but aren't currently. There will be plenty of available spots to add these individuals seeking an introductory opportunity when more teams join the league.
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That said, let's look at three potential locations for new teams.
Top 3 most populated cities that could take new NFL teams
1) San Antonio
San Antonio is the biggest American city in terms of population without an NFL franchise. Although one may argue the city has a limited media market, it is reasonable to suggest the city has what it takes to host an NFL club given how successfully the NBA's San Antonio Spurs have performed.
The city of San Antonio is located 285 miles from Dallas and 200 miles from Houston, so it is possible that an NFL franchise from San Antonio would have a fierce intercity rivalry with the Texans and Cowboys. That seems like an interesting prospect, particularly if a postseason berth is at stake.
2) Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma Sooners, who represent the University of Oklahoma, are among the most successful teams in college football history with over 900 games won and seven national titles. The team has a fierce fanbase that shows up to every game. If those football-loving supporters had an NFL team to support, they would cheer even more loudly.
According to World Population Review, Oklahoma City is home to over 700,000 people. The city's overall sports enthusiasm would greatly enhance the NFL's spectacle.
3) St. Louis
Football is not new to St. Louis; in fact, the St. Louis Cardinals called the city home until they relocated to Arizona in 1987. More recently, the Rams called St. Louis home until moving to Los Angeles in 2015.
St. Louis is home to three major league teams despite not being one of the country's largest cities: the St. Louis Blues of the NHL, the St. Louis Cardinals of the MLB and St. Louis City S.C. of Major League Soccer (MLS).
St. Louis' passion for football is evident in the large attendance the UFL's Battlehawks received at their home games in the recently finished UFL season. Whenever the NFL decides it is ready to grow, St. Louis should be on its shortlist of potential expansion cities.
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