The formation and evolution ofNational Football League (NFL) teams have been shaped by a combination ofexpansions,relocations, and mergers. Established in 1920 as theAmerican Professional Football Association, the NFL began with 14 teams, many of which were rooted in small towns and industrial cities. As the popularity ofAmerican football grew, the league strategically expanded to incorporate teams exclusively from larger markets, with theGreen Bay Packers being the only exception. Notable expansions include the addition of theMinnesota Vikings in 1961 and theAtlanta Falcons in 1966.[1]
Relocation has also played a significant role in the NFL's history, with teams moving to new cities to access larger markets, modern facilities, or more favorable economic conditions. For instance, theCleveland Rams moved toLos Angeles in 1946, becoming the first NFL team on the West Coast. TheOakland Raiders relocated to Los Angeles in 1982, returned toOakland in 1995, and later moved toLas Vegas in 2020. Similarly, theSt. Louis Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988, becoming thePhoenix (now Arizona) Cardinals.[2]
Mergers have further shaped the league's structure. The most significant was the 1970 merger between the NFL and theAmerican Football League (AFL), leading to the formation of a unified league with two conferences: theAmerican Football Conference (AFC) and theNational Football Conference (NFC). This merger integrated AFL teams into the NFL framework.
The process of establishing a new NFL team involves securing approval from existing team owners, demonstrating financial stability, and ensuring the presence of adequate facilities and a supportive fan base. Prospective owners must present comprehensive plans that align with the league's strategic objectives, including market potential and long-term viability. Once approved, new teams build their rosters through mechanisms like theNFL draft, free agency, and trades, aiming to assemble competitive squads that resonate with their communities.[3]