NFL News 2012: The Jacksonville Jaguars Have Agreed to Play Four Home Games in London

Aug 21, 2012 03:17 PM EDT

The NFL and the Jacksonville Jaguars announced Tuesday the team will play one home game in London for four years in a row.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and team owner Shad Khan made a joint announcement about the move in Jacksonville. The small-market franchise will play four games at Wembley Stadium, one every season beginning in 2013.

The Jaguars' opponent, and the date of the game, will be annouced in the coming months, the NFL said.

"Our goal is to continue to grow the game, and this commitment by the Jacksonville Jaguars represents a major step forward in our international efforts," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "We have had a tremendously positive reaction to our sport in the U.K. and we're excited that the Jaguars are seizing this opportunity to raise the profile for the team as well as the Jacksonville community.

"The NFL is committed to working with Shad Khan and the Jaguars in every respect to help them grow their brand and fan base through the NFL International Series and the many opportunities these games will offer."

Last October, NFL owners authorized playing regular-season games in the United Kingdom over the next five seasons, and clubs were allowed to volunteer to play at least one per season there as a home team on an annual basis up to five years.

The NFL has played an annual London game since 2007. New England and St. Louis play at Wembley later this year.

The St. Louis Rams had been scheduled to play in London in 2013 and 2014, but they pulled out last week, citing a need to focus on lease negotiations and ease fan discontent.

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