Jacksonville Jaguars to become first NFL team to play TWO games in UK in same season at Wembley

WEMBLEY will host a historic NFL double next year as the Jacksonville Jaguars become the first team to play two matches outside the US.

The Florida franchise are believed to be the most likely to jump across the pond should long-standing plans to create a London outfit came to fruition.

Owner Shahid Khan is based in the capital and also has Championship side Fulham in his portfolio.

He said: "This isn't about the next season or the next few seasons in Jacksonville, but really about the next 10 years, 25 years and beyond.

"There is no better time than now to capitalize on the opportunity to play two home games in London, where we will continue to develop our loyal and growing fan base there and throughout the UK, during a period in which I will be focused heavily on creating a new downtown experience that we want, need and must have here."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan welcomed the move as Wembley prepares to host the Jaguars twice.

He added: "London is the sporting capital of the world, so I am absolutely delighted that the Jacksonville Jaguars have committed to playing two of their home games in our city from this year."

No NFL team have ever played two matches outside the States in the same season.

British fans will hope the latest move is a sign that they could soon have their very own franchise on their doorstep.

But NFL chiefs have warned that logistical difficulties still present a problem to a permanent relocation.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will also host the league this year with another four matches scheduled.