With the NFL already at 32 teams it’s possible the league may relocate a franchise rather than look for NFL expansion teams. The current structure of four divisions in each conference seems to be working perfectly. All stadiums get old and as leases get closer to expiration, opportunities arise for cities to become the next NFL relocation cities.
NFL Relocation Cities
Here’s a list of the NFL teams that are most likely to relocate:
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Buffalo Bills
- Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have historically had issues filling their stadium and TV blackout rules have meant that games haven’t been broadcast on local TV. Renovations to the tune of $63 million were completed to TIAA Bank Field in 2013 which included two end zone video scorecards.
In 2013, $90 million were completed but it’s an ageing stadium ever since it opened in 1995. Jag fans are also considered to be among the worst in the entire league according to a Bleacher Report article.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Like their Floridian neighbours, the Bucs have had similar issues with fanbase support over the years. Raymond James Stadium was completed in 1998 and is one of the stadiums oldest in the league. It did however host Super Bowl LV in 2021 with the Tom Brady led Bucs winning at their own stadium, the first time in history a team has won the Super Bowl at their home stadium.
The second Super Bowl in Bucs history may just be enough to keep the franchise in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been in Tennessee since 1997 following relocation from Houston. Despite publicly declaring that they have no interest in leaving the city, it hasn’t stopped Oakland from knocking on the door.
Nissan Stadium was seemingly out of date since it was built in 1999 day it was built was widely considered out-of-date from the moment it debuted. The stadium will also need $293.2 million in capital improvements over the next 20 years.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has the third oldest NFL stadium in the US with Chicago and Kansas the only cities with older stadiums. Built in 1973, New Era Field stadium renovations in 2012 totalled $130 million. Chicago however spent $632 million for 2003 renovations and Kansas City spent $375 million in 2010.
The Bills are lagging behind when it comes to stadium investment and as the smallest market in the NFL behind in Green Bay, they could struggle to cover renovation costs in the hundreds of millions.
Cincinnati Bengals
Behind only the Bengals and Green Bay as the smallest market in the NFL, Cincinnati face an uphill battle to keep the team in the city. The main concern is the lease expiring at Paul Brown Stadium in 2026 in which the franchise has no contractual obligations to the city.
Five rolling two-year extensions can be exercised to stay in the city until 2036 at most. Cincinnati’s market size continues to dwindle and there’s been local opposition to add any money to stadium upgrades or a new stadium .