Why are the Jaguars playing in London twice? Explaining Jacksonville’s 2024 international schedule | Sporting News

If fans are doing a double take at the Jaguars’ 2024 schedule, you’re reading it correctly. Jacksonville has not just one, but two games in London. 

London has become the Jaguars’ home away from home. No NFL franchise has frequented the English scene as much as Jacksonville has. 

The Jaguars were not successful in their first stop across the pond, losing to the Bears 35-16 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chicago rookie QB Caleb Williams dazzled against a poor Jacksonville defense, throwing for four touchdowns in the win.

It was the second consecutive week with a game at the venue, with the Vikings previously remaining undefeated with a victory over the Jets at Tottenham’s arena in Week 5.

While Chicago is heading back to the Windy City fresh off the London win, Jacksonville will remain in England for Week 7. The team is set to “host” the Patriots across town for a Week 7 contest at Wembley Stadium, the third and final game on the London slate. 

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So what’s with the back-to-back London games for the Jaguars? The Sporting News explains why Jacksonville is playing back-to-back weeks in the UK. 

Why are the Jaguars playing in London twice?

No NFL team has played over in London as often as the Jaguars have, as Jacksonville has become rooted in the English NFL culture. 

The upcoming second matchup in 2024 marks the 13th time Jacksonville will participate in a game in the UK. The Jaguars have had mixed results in global game, with the loss to the Bears in Week 6 dropping their international record to 6-6. 

Jacksonville’s owner, Shad Khan, has ties to the country. He is the owner of London-based Fulham F.C., a soccer club in the Premier League, England’s top level of professional soccer. 

The Jaguars are currently in the final year of a three-year contract to play each year in London. However, it is expected that a new deal will be made for 2025. 

Khan has a number of agreements with the English Football Association, dating back to 2012 when the NFL initially explored the idea of international games. Since then, the Jaguars have seen their English fan base grow, making them an ideal candidate to play twice in a single season. 

“To see the Jacksonville Jaguars extend their stay in the UK and play two regular season games here this year is indicative of the Jags’ commitment to continuing to grow their fanbase here long-term,” NFL UK general manager Henry Hodgson said during the 2023 offseason. 

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NFL International Series schedule 2024

The Bears-Jaguars contest in Week 6 marked the third NFL international series games of the 2024 regular season. 

Jacksonville will face New England in the third and final game in London, which is the fourth of the international slate. The final global game won’t take place until November and will be played in Germany, as the Giants and Panthers face off at Allianz Arena in Munch. 

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