Jacksonville Jaguars Eye 2028 Wembley Exit
Jacksonville Jaguars president Mark Lamping announced that the team hopes to keep all of its 2028 home games in Jacksonville to coincide with the reopening of its stadium following a $1.4 billion renovation, ny1.com reported. The shift would mark a potential end to the franchise’s long-running series of annual home games at Wembley Stadium.
“If there’s a natural year where you probably want to play every home game in Jacksonville, it would be the year you open a new stadium,” Lamping said in London. The Jaguars first started playing an annual game at Wembley in 2013 as early adopters of the NFL’s international push. However, Lamping noted that the economic incentive for maintaining the continuous London home series has been decreasing over time.
EverBank Stadium Renovations and Temporary Relocation Plans
Construction has already begun on EverBank Stadium, which is operating at a reduced capacity for the current season. As the $1.4 billion stadium renovation project progresses, the Jaguars will move most of their home games to Orlando next season.
NFL Schedule News 🇬🇧The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans will play a divisional game in London this season, per sources.Game is scheduled for October 18th, Week 6 at 9:30 AM EST – Wembley Stadium. pic.twitter.com/6Ny1qrSGPy
The team holds an option to play three home games in London next season. Lamping described the likelihood of exercising that option as remote, noting that the provision was originally designed as a contingency if the franchise had chosen to play in Gainesville instead.
Future International Schedule Uncertainty
While the franchise’s traditional Wembley home games are winding down, the team remains subject to league-mandated international fixtures. Jacksonville’s historical games at Wembley are separate from the league’s overarching international game series. Under NFL rules, the Jaguars are still set to play one game abroad next season.
Lamping stated that he hopes that single mandatory overseas matchup will take place in London, though he emphasized that no guarantees exist. “The league tells us where that game is going to be played,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Jaguars’ London Future
When will the Jacksonville Jaguars play their final scheduled Wembley game under the current arrangement?
The Jaguars are scheduled to play their 16th London game on Sunday when they face the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium.
Where will the team play home games while EverBank Stadium is under construction?
The franchise will move most of its home games to Orlando next season while construction continues on its renovated facility.
Will the Jaguars stop playing international games entirely after 2028?
No. While the team’s voluntary annual home games at Wembley are expected to end when the renovated stadium opens in 2028, the franchise will still participate in league-mandated international games assigned by the NFL.