St Louis Rams Pull Out of Wembley NFL Regular Season Games in 2013 & 2014

St Louis Rams have opted out of their contract to play National Football League regular season games in London in 2013 and 2014. 

The Rams will honour their arrangement to compete against New England Patriots in October this year but it is unclear if another team will agree to a multiple game deal.

“In an effort to focus on the Edward Jones Dome First Tier Process with the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the St. Louis Rams are withdrawing their commitment to play a home game in London in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons,” the team said in a statement to www.nfl.com.

“The St. Louis Rams will play the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at London’s historic Wembley Stadium as previously announced.”

“We are looking forward to playing in London this season as the NFL’s International Series offers a unique opportunity to grow the American football audience, expand the Rams’ brand to international fans and enhance St. Louis on the global stage,” said Kevin Demoff, Rams Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “However, moving forward, we believe at this time our attention needs to be on the ongoing First Tier process. We have worked closely with the NFL in coming to this decision and remain key supporters of the International Series and its objectives.”

Chris Parsons, NFL Vice-President of International, said: “We appreciate the Rams’ support for our international growth strategy. We are currently working to add a second game in the UK, potentially for the 2013 season, in response to the growth in popularity of our sport. We hope to finalize these plans in the months ahead.”