The Jacksonville Jaguars have become a familiar sight in London, but their frequent trips across the Atlantic are no coincidence. Since 2013, the NFL franchise has built a lasting connection with the United Kingdom.
That commitment is especially visible in the 2026 NFL season, when Liam Coen‘s team is scheduled to play two consecutive home games in London: against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 11 and the Houston Texans on October 18.
The strategy also serves a business purpose. They hold marketing rights in the UK through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which helps teams build international fan bases through local events, outreach and commercial partnerships.
Why did the Jacksonville Jaguars start playing in London?
The Jacksonville Jaguars started playing in London in 2013 as part of a long-term strategy to raise the franchise’s profile internationally, expand its fan base in the United Kingdom and help the NFL grow beyond the United States.
Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars (Source: Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)
Team owner Shad Khan and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the original agreement in August 2012, committing Jacksonville to one home game at Wembley Stadium in each of four consecutive seasons, from 2013 through 2016.
Their first London game took place on October 27, 2013, when they hosted the 49ers. Although Jacksonville was designated the home team, the game was played thousands of miles from Florida as part of the NFL International Series.
The relationship continued beyond the original four-year agreement. They extended its commitment to playing in London, eventually establishing an annual presence in the UK and developing a dedicated local operation to support its international activities.
How many times have the Jaguars played in London?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have played 14 regular-season games in London through the 2025 season, making them one of the NFL franchises most closely associated with the UK. 11 of those appearances took place at Wembley Stadium and three at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Wembley was the venue for their first London game in 2013 and became the team’s traditional home away from home. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium joined the rotation in 2021, when they faced the Miami Dolphins in the franchise’s first game at the purpose-built NFL venue.
Their London schedule has also included back-to-back games in the UK, with the team playing at two different stadiums during the same trip. Jacksonville accomplished that twice before 2026, in 2023 and 2024, and is scheduled to do so again in 2026.
The team’s October 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and its October 18 game against the Houston Texans at Wembley will mark its 15th and 16th regular-season appearances in London.
Do the Jacksonville Jaguars have a permanent home in London?
No, the Jaguars’ permanent home is in Jacksonville, Florida, not London. The team plays its home games at EverBank Stadium, which is undergoing a major renovation, while its London appearances are part of a separate international commitment.
Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars passes the ball (Source: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The stadium project is a major reason they are playing two home games in London in 2026. EverBank Stadium‘s capacity has been reduced to approximately 42,500 during construction, compared with its previous capacity of more than 68,000. The renovation is scheduled for completion ahead of 2028.
The team is expected to play its 2027 home games at a temporary venue outside Jacksonville while construction continues. That temporary relocation is separate from its long-standing London arrangement.
How does playing in London benefit the Jaguars?
Playing in London gives the Jacksonville Jaguars a chance to expand their international fan base, increase brand visibility and build commercial opportunities in one of the NFL’s most established overseas markets.
The franchise holds marketing rights in the UK through the league’s Global Markets Program, which allows teams to develop their brands internationally through fan engagement, events and business partnerships.
The UK represents a significant opportunity for the franchise. The Jaguars’ official UK announcement described the market as home to more than 17 million NFL fans, making it an important part of the league’s international expansion.
The team’s efforts also extend to grassroots football. Through the Union Jax Foundation and its JagTag flag football program, they support initiatives that introduce the sport to young people and develop participation across the UK.
