Jacksonville's Annual London Game Now Part of Historic 11-Game International Slate in 2027
The NFL has officially approved a slate of 10 international games for the 2027 regular season, and as usual, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be playing one more. With the league's announcement that the Jaguars' annual London contest will push the total to 11 international games, the team's status as the NFL's most committed transatlantic franchise is locked in for the foreseeable future.
For Jacksonville fans, this is old news in the best way. The Jaguars have been playing regular-season games in London since 2013, and under owner Shad Khan's vision, the franchise has become the de facto NFL ambassador to the United Kingdom. The team holds multi-year agreements for home games at Wembley Stadium, and 2027 will be no different -- except that the broader NFL landscape is catching up.
The 2027 International Schedule Context
The league's approval of 10 international games represents a significant ramp-up in global ambition. In 2025, the NFL staged five international games. By 2027, that number will double -- and the Jaguars' game sits outside that count as an 11th contest, a testament to their unique standing.
According to sources, the 10 approved games will be distributed across London, Munich, Mexico City, São Paulo, and potentially Dublin or Madrid, as the league continues to explore new markets. The Jaguars' game, however, is guaranteed to remain in London as part of their existing commitment.
For head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone, the annual London trip is no longer a novelty -- it's a logistical reality baked into the team's planning every season. That familiarity could be an advantage. While other teams scramble to adjust to time zone changes, travel fatigue, and disrupted practice schedules, the Jaguars have turned the London game into a routine.
"It's part of who we are as an organization," one team source familiar with the travel operations noted. "The coaching staff knows exactly how to structure the week, and the players have adapted to the rhythm."
Roster Implications for 2027
While the 2027 season is still over a year away, the confirmation of the international game has immediate implications for roster construction. The Jaguars currently boast a deep and talented group across the board, and the extra travel demands of a London trip could influence how Gladstone and Coen build the team's depth chart.
Consider the offensive side of the ball. With Trevor Lawrence entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the Jaguars are built to win now. But the London game -- often played in October or November -- falls during a critical stretch of the season. Having a reliable backup like Nick Mullens, who has starting experience in the league, becomes even more valuable. Mullens can step in during practice if Lawrence needs a rest day during the travel week, and his veteran presence in the quarterback room is a luxury.
At running back, the committee approach Coen employs will be tested by the compressed week. Ja'Quinden Jackson and Chris Rodriguez Jr. provide power, while Bhayshul Tuten offers explosiveness. The ability to rotate backs without a drop-off is crucial when the team is operating on a short week overseas.
Wide receiver Travis Hunter, the dynamic rookie who has already made waves in training camp, will likely be a focal point of the London game marketing. Hunter's two-way potential (he's also listed as a defensive back on the roster) makes him a unique asset, but Coen will have to manage his snap count carefully to avoid burnout during the long flight and time zone adjustment.
On defense, the pass-rushing duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will be the headliners. Both players have the kind of explosive, disruptive skill sets that travel well. In London's typically mild autumn weather -- rarely too hot or too cold -- the Jaguars' defensive line could feast.
Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will need his rotation ready. With interior linemen Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton anchoring the middle, and edge depth from Matt Dickerson and B.J. Green II, the Jaguars have the bodies to keep fresh legs on the field even in a shortened week.
The Financial and Competitive Angle
The Jaguars' annual London game is not just a branding exercise -- it's a competitive tool. Because the team plays a home game in London, they essentially lose one true home-field advantage every season. But the franchise has turned that into a net positive by building a dedicated UK fanbase and using the trip as a bonding experience.
From a salary cap perspective, the international game doesn't move the needle directly. The NFL covers travel and logistics costs for all teams playing abroad. However, the revenue generated from international sponsorships and merchandise sales flows back to the league and then to teams. The Jaguars, as the most visible team in the UK, likely see a disproportionate share of that revenue.
For Gladstone, who took over as general manager in 2026, the London game is a known quantity. He inherited a roster that was already built for these trips. With key veterans like Foyesade Oluokun at linebacker anchoring the defense, and veterans like Jakobi Meyers providing reliability at wide receiver, the Jaguars have the experience to handle the unique demands of overseas travel.
Looking Ahead to the Schedule Release
The specific date and opponent for the 2027 London game have not been announced. Typically, the NFL reveals international matchups in January or February of the preceding season. That means fans should expect an official announcement sometime in early 2027.
In the meantime, the Jaguars are focused on the 2026 season. Coen's offense, coordinated by Grant Udinski, is still in its early stages of installation. The team has undergone significant roster turnover in the past year, and building chemistry will be priority one.
But make no mistake: the 2027 international game is already on the radar. For a franchise that has embraced its role as the NFL's global team, another London trip is not a burden -- it's an identity.
"We're proud to represent Jacksonville and the NFL on the international stage," one team official said. "Every time we go to London, we're building something bigger than football."
With the league now planning 10 other international games in 2027, the Jaguars won't be alone on the global stage. But they'll still be the headliners. And with a roster loaded with talent, a coaching staff that knows how to handle the logistics, and a front office that plans for these trips years in advance, Jacksonville is positioned to make the most of its transatlantic showcase.
The countdown to London 2027 begins now.