The NFL has gone more than two decades without introducing a true new franchise. The Houston Texans, added in 2002, filled a vacancy created when the Oilers left Houston for Tennessee, much like how the Baltimore Ravens emerged after Cleveland’s team relocated in the mid-1990s before the Browns were reestablished. In fact, the last expansion team that wasn’t tied to a relocation at all dates back to 1995, when the Jacksonville Jaguars joined the league.
Now, shifting fan demographics, growing media revenue, international ambitions, and financial incentives have put expansion back into serious discussion. If the league were to grow again, which cities would rise to the top? Below is a ranked look at 15 locations that could be poised to earn a place on the NFL map.
15. Virginia Beach, VA
The Hampton Roads area—anchored by Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News—stands out as one of the largest U.S. metro regions without representation in any of the Big Five professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, or MLS). Backed by a substantial military population, steady residential growth, and heavy tourism traffic, the region combines deep-rooted community ties with long-term upside. While its location between Washington, D.C., and Charlotte could raise concerns about shared fan allegiances, local enthusiasm for top-level football is undeniable. And for perspective: Hampton Roads ranks 37th among U.S. metro areas, just one spot behind Jacksonville—an existing NFL city—making the idea of a team here far from far-fetched.
14. Raleigh, NC
If Virginia Beach isn’t the answer, North Carolina’s Research Triangle presents a compelling alternative just down the road. While the Panthers already call Charlotte home, the Raleigh area has quickly become one of the fastest-expanding markets in the Southeast. Strong support for the NHL’s Hurricanes, paired with the region’s deep college football culture, suggests there’s capacity for another major franchise. With its mix of rapid growth, rising incomes, and genuine football enthusiasm, Raleigh quietly checks many of the boxes an NFL expansion team would want.
13. Honolulu, HI
Hawaii might feel worlds away from the mainland, yet the state’s ties to football run strong—from dominant high school programs to star players such as Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa. Honolulu’s long history as a Pro Bowl host shows it can successfully stage NFL-caliber events. The biggest obstacle would be the demands of travel, which remain a significant logistical challenge. Still, the island’s distinct identity and global tourism draw could give the league an unmatched and unforgettable destination.
12. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis brings a rich NFL pedigree, having previously supported both the Cardinals and the Rams, and many fans remain eager for the league’s return following the Rams’ move to Los Angeles. As a sizable metro with a deeply rooted sports tradition, interest wouldn’t be an issue. The lingering concern, however, is history: unresolved stadium challenges and market questions that contributed to the Rams’ exit could make the NFL hesitant to revisit the same risks.
11. Riverside, CA
Riverside and the broader Inland Empire have quietly become one of the country’s largest and fastest-expanding population hubs. While often living in Los Angeles’ shadow, the region is sizable enough to sustain a major professional franchise of its own. Its proximity could appeal to fans who feel overlooked by L.A.’s two teams, both of which share the same stadium. Still, the closeness to the Rams and Chargers may raise concerns about market overlap, and the area’s limited football history would mean significant upfront investment in stadiums and infrastructure.
10. Columbus, OH
Columbus continues to surge in both population growth and economic strength, anchored by one of the most intense football followings in the country through Ohio State. The Buckeyes regularly attract crowds on par with NFL teams, signaling the city’s capacity to support professional football. At the same time, that enthusiasm comes with complications, as Columbus sits between established franchises in Cincinnati and Cleveland. The potential for divided loyalties and market overlap would be a key hurdle for the league to consider.
09. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham sits at the heart of one of the country’s most football-obsessed regions. With Alabama and Auburn commanding statewide attention, the sport is woven into daily life, and the city has previously shown support for alternative pro leagues such as the USFL and XFL. That passion could translate into reliable crowds and long-term loyalty. However, the overwhelming pull of college football may cap interest at the NFL level, and Birmingham’s metro size and corporate presence trail those of many established league markets.
08. London
London has long been viewed as the NFL’s most realistic overseas expansion target, thanks to its massive market, worldwide visibility, and consistently strong attendance for the league’s annual games there. The city’s global tourism appeal and deep corporate sponsorship base add to its allure. Still, the obstacles are substantial—transatlantic travel demands, player relocation concerns, and complex scheduling would be ongoing challenges. There’s also the question of whether fans would embrace a full-time team or prefer London remain a special-event destination.
07. Sacramento, CA
Sacramento has emerged as one of California’s quickest-growing metros and has proven its big-league credibility through strong, sustained support of the NBA’s Kings. Positioned in the heart of Northern California, the city could draw fans from surrounding areas—particularly with Oakland no longer hosting an NFL team. Even so, proximity to the 49ers presents a clear challenge, as San Francisco’s established fan base could cap regional demand. Sacramento’s comparatively modest national corporate footprint may also weigh against it in expansion discussions.
06. Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City has seen rapid population growth alongside increasing corporate investment, and its enthusiastic sports following is reflected in support for the NBA’s Jazz and the city’s newly added NHL franchise. With few nearby NFL teams, the market could attract fans from across a broad surrounding region. That said, when measured against established NFL cities, Salt Lake’s overall market size is smaller, and its narrower entertainment landscape could pose challenges to sustaining a franchise over the long haul.
05. San Diego, CA
San Diego’s NFL roots run deep after decades with the Chargers, and lingering frustration over their relocation to Los Angeles suggests a ready-made audience for a new franchise. The city boasts a sizable, affluent population, a strong military footprint, and a thriving tourism economy. Still, the same obstacle that led to the Chargers’ exit remains front and center: the challenge of funding a modern NFL stadium. Its closeness to Los Angeles—now home to two teams—could also complicate any return to the league.
04. Mexico City
Mexico City stands among the world’s largest metropolitan areas and has already demonstrated its appetite for the NFL, with international games there routinely drawing sellout crowds. Interest in American football runs deep, and placing a team in the city would open the league to an entirely new national market—an ambition the NFL has openly explored for years. Still, significant hurdles remain, including player hesitancy about living abroad and questions over whether long-term corporate sponsorship could rival U.S.-based markets. Environmental factors, such as air quality, have also been raised by players in the past, along with concerns tied to health regulations and league testing standards.
03. Portland, OR
Portland has built a reputation for intensely devoted sports supporters, evident in the followings of the Trail Blazers and the Timbers. The metro area is sizable enough to support an NFL franchise, and its spot in the Pacific Northwest could spark an immediate regional rivalry with Seattle. However, the city’s corporate base is smaller than that of most NFL markets, and the Seahawks’ strong grip on the region could split fan allegiances. Securing funding for a suitable stadium would also be a significant challenge.
2. Orlando, FL
Orlando’s role as a worldwide tourism hub gives it an effective market size that extends well beyond its resident population, bolstered by major corporate and entertainment interests. The city has a track record of hosting high-profile football events—including bowl games and the Pro Bowl—underscoring Florida’s deep ties to the sport. That said, the state already supports multiple NFL franchises in Miami, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville, raising questions about whether another team could establish a distinct and sustainable following.
01. Austin / San Antonio, TX
The Austin–San Antonio corridor has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-expanding regions, driven by a surging tech economy, a strong cultural identity, and deep-rooted football enthusiasm fueled by the University of Texas and San Antonio’s professional sports history. Taken together, the market’s size and economic momentum suggest it could support an NFL franchise. San Antonio already has a potential venue in the Alamodome, while Austin’s rapid growth and national attention give it significant appeal. Still, unresolved issues around territorial rights, market overlap, and which city would ultimately serve as the team’s home remain major obstacles.
