Peter Mandelson Proposes Britain as Host for First Super Bowl

Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, has advocated for Britain to host the first Super Bowl outside the U.S. He made this statement during a meeting with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, emphasizing his commitment to lobbying for the prestigious NFL event to take place across the Atlantic.

Mandelson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve made a big pitch for the first Super Bowl outside the U.S. to take place in Britain.” He underscored his desire for the announcement to occur during his term, which began in February 2023. The ambassador humorously noted, “I want that Super Bowl in Britain. I don’t care when it takes place but I want it announced while I’m ambassador.” His remarks drew laughter from the audience, highlighting the light-hearted yet serious nature of his ambitions.

London’s Aspirations and NFL’s Growing Presence

The push for the Super Bowl in London aligns with previous statements from Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. Last year, Khan declared that hosting the Super Bowl would reinforce the city’s reputation as the “sporting capital of the world.” He remarked, “The Super Bowl is really important for us. We have a number of American football games and I want it to come here because we want American sports fans in Europe to come to London to watch them, not just go to America.”

London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to host two NFL games in October 2023, showcasing the league’s expanding footprint in the UK. The upcoming Super Bowl will take place on February 8, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marking the event’s continuation in its traditional U.S. venues since its inception in 1967.

While the Super Bowl remains a focal point of Mandelson’s advocacy, he is not alone in seeking to bring significant sporting events to the UK. Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has also expressed interest in having the Open Championship hosted at the Turnberry golf course in Scotland, which Trump purchased in 2014. The last Open Championship held there occurred in 2009. Nevertheless, organizers have indicated that logistical challenges and commercial viability make such an event unlikely in the near future.

Mandelson’s initiative highlights a broader ambition for the UK to secure major sporting events. As the landscape for international sports continues to evolve, the push for the Super Bowl may represent a significant opportunity for British sports and culture.

The future of American football in the UK looks promising, but whether Mandelson’s dream of hosting the Super Bowl will materialize remains to be seen. As the NFL expands its reach, the appetite for such events in London could pave the way for a new chapter in international sports.