Why doesn't every state have a NFL team?

Question

Just watching the Browns game now and was wondering why only so many states have a team, but others don't. Is it because of funding or what? Thanks!

Answer 1

It has to do with popularity, the state willingness to provide funds, taxes, and the population. Cities like Columbus, OH are often considered for possible NFL team but it would have to compete with the more popular Ohio St college football team. Also GM's can move teams like the former Baltimore Colts, LA Raiders/Rams, Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens.

Las Vegas
Toronto
Columbus, Ohio
San Antonio
Los Angeles

are some of the many cities considered for a possible NFL team.

Answer 2

In Delaware, you have an influence of Eagles fans, as well as some Ravens and Redskins fans. Not to mention the state is only 3 counties long. There just isn't enough of a base to support a team, especially when it's all ready fed by 3 other fan bases.

In northern VA, that's Redskins country, and I imagine that influences into other parts of the state. I imagine VA also has a bit of a purple tint to it as well with Ravens fans transplanted out of Maryland.

I think basically you if you want a new organization to grow and succeed, you need to put it into an area where there is a large enough population that isn't influenced by another semi-nearby franchise. This is why the NFL decided to put organizations in untapped areas such as Jacksonville and Carolina in the 90s (all though I think they should have given Baltimore an expansion franchise, that's just water under the bridge now).

You can have two teams in states like PA because Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are on opposite sides of one of the largest states in the continental US (I imagine probably about 5-6 hours apart).

You can have two teams in the Baltimore/DC area because the population of the combined metro region is one of the largest in the United States. (Plus there where a lot of Baltimore Colts fans here that never took to the Redskins to begin with).

Answer 3

Not every market can support a pro football team. I don't see expansion as a probablity for quite some time. There are already too many mediocre teams. I would like to see teams spread out a bit more instead of having states with multiple teams. States like Wyoming, Montana, N and S Dakota, West Virginia and Idaho probably don't have a big enough city to support a team. Nevada might be a problem due to the gambling. Salt Lake City and Oklahoma City might be able to amass a fan base. Utah supports the Jazz pretty well. So, let's move one of the California bay area teams to Utah. Take one of the Ohio teams to Oklahoma. Hell, maybe we can even find a pro team for Michigan?

Answer 4

Well it would make 50 teams in the NFL. The teams would have to split the television package 50 times instead of the 32 times or whatever the # teams in the NFL right now. Thats the money thing. Then there's the population thing. Im sure, lets say North Dakota has good football fans, but could they put 60, 000 - 70, 000 in the stands?

Answer 5

Because if there is a team or teams in a certain region, they're not going to put another team there. It would not be a wise investment. Someone mentioned the Dakotas, ok, in that region, you have the Vikings, the Packers, the Chiefs, the Cardinals and the Bears, thats enough.

Answer 6

Theres 32 teams in the NFL
and there is 50 States. Thats why...

Answer 7

It has to do with:

Where owners want to start a franchise, and also where the league would approve to put franchises.

Not every state could necessarily support an NFL team.

Answer 8

50 is too many teams. No professional league has close to that many teams. Financially most states could not support a team.

Answer 9

The main reason is there are only 32 teams and 50 states.

Answer 10

Cities have to be able to support a pro team. Are there enough fans in the metro area, enough tax revenue? It's all about money, my friend! Some cities don't want teams because your taxes will rise!