Conservatives push for UK-based NFL franchise

[T_i_B]

Now as far as I'm concerned, the Tories would be better off putting resources towards British grass roots sport, or even promoting sports like Rugby League in the States rather then this.

http://www.espn.co.uk/american-football/story/_/id/12690535/conservative-party-announces-ambitions-united-kingdom-based-nfl-nba-mlb-franchise-part-manifesto-ahead-uk-general-election

Britain's Conservative Party has announced its ambition to bring new NFL, NBA and MLB franchises to the United Kingdom.

The political party pledged in its manifesto, which was launched on Tuesday ahead of next month's general election, to work to attract top-level American football, basketball and baseball to Britain on a long-term basis.

Prime Minister David Cameron leads the Conservatives and the party's manifesto says: "We will support new sports in the UK, in particular through greater links with the U.S. National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball, with the ultimate ambition of new franchises being based here."

Both the NFL and NBA have held regular-season games in London for several years. In October last year, the British government publicly pledged its desire to have an NFL side permanently based in the capital.

[bluedigger]

1. NFL and NBA? Maybe. MLB? Crazy talk.

I don't see a league with a 162 game schedule making 3-4 teams in the US division fly to Great Britain half a dozen times a season or so. Not the same as making a "West Coast swing" at all.

[T_i_B]

2. Certainly agree about Baseball

I can see it becoming popular elsewhere in the world, but not here.

Here in the UK people get far more excited about Indian Premier League cricket then Baseball.

[bluedigger]

3. Are there even any amateur leagues over there?

They will need a good fan base to draw from for so many home games.

[T_i_B]

4. Amateur baseball is at a very low level here

Basketball however, has a professional league, and if I were into that sport, then I would be cheering on my local side the Sheffield Sharks on a good few weekends. It seems incredibly daft for the Tories to be promoting the NBA when they could support the already well established British Basketball League, which is much more accessible for British basketball fans.

Same goes with Ice Hockey as well.