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New York Jets in the U.K.

Jets in the UK

The Jets sent out a few releases today announcing that they are coming (back) across the pond. As part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area (IHMA) initiative, the Jets have been awarded international marketing rights to the United Kingdom. You can read more about this in the press release below. You can also visit our forums to see what people are saying about the London Jets.

With this news, Jets fans living in the UK will be closer to the team than ever before. The Jets will look to create new UK-based events, content platforms, membership clubs, community initiatives, and partner activations. Former Jets standout and fan-favorite Nick Mangold will serve as the team’s official Legend Ambassador to the UK.

In addition, the NFL will look to schedule the Jets’ international games (at least one in the next eight seasons) in the United Kingdom.

December 15, 2021 (Florham Park, NJ) – Today, the Jets were awarded the international marketing rights to the United Kingdom as part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area (“IHMA”) initiative. The initiative permitted all-32 NFL clubs the opportunity to bid on select international markets, with the objective to grow American football globally.

As part of the NFL’s IHMA program, the New York Jets will have a “second home” in which they will initiate new fan engagement platforms, such as live events, sponsor activations, content creation and distribution, and partnerships with UK brands, businesses, teams, and athletes. The Jets will also introduce several new community initiatives, including the expansion of NFL Flag Football throughout the United Kingdom.

Coupled with the League’s commitment to International Games – all 32 clubs will play at least one international game in the next eight seasons – the League will use its best efforts to ensure the Jets play their international games in the UK.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the United Kingdom bid as the Jets continue to expand our global footprint,” said Robert Wood Johnson IV, Chair of the New York Jets. “As a country with a deep and rich culture of sporting greatness, the United Kingdom has been our clear top choice throughout this process. After seeing the passion, not only for the NFL, but for the Jets during my time there as Ambassador, I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity for our organization to strengthen our roots in the UK and connect with even more new fans. Afterall, New York and London are sister cities.”

In October, the Jets launched their first-ever UK-focused social channel, @NYJetsinUK. As part of the NFL IHMA program, the team will look to expand its existing social and digital presence throughout the UK. The team will also secure a content partner to bring UK fans Jets programming, such as their Emmy award-winning content series, One Jets Drive. As in the US, the team will provide UK fans with unique and exclusive access to the team with original and shoulder programming throughout the year.

“International marketing clearly represents an enormous growth opportunity for both the NFL and Jets. We are excited to showcase our players and coaches and their personalities in the United Kingdom,” said Hymie Elhai, President of the New York Jets. “Through grassroots programs, unique in-market activations, and strategic partnerships, we are excited to build upon our fanbase in the UK and look forward to establishing longstanding relationships.”

Fans will also have the opportunity to join an international membership program that will provide UK-based fans unique benefits. Potential examples include preferential access to New York Jets events in the UK (e.g., official watch parties), UK-specific merchandise, an NFL Game Pass subscription, and member-exclusive giveaways – including trips to see the team play at MetLife Stadium.

To help deepen the Jets presence in the UK, New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold will serve as the team’s ambassador. Mangold not only played for the team during its first trip to London in 2015, but also accompanied them during their most recent trip this past October. In this role, Nick will be part of in-market activations and fan events, in addition to current players and other Jets Legends and personalities.

The Jets have teamed up with SPORTFIVE to be the team’s in-market partner agency. With offices in London and Manchester, SPORTFIVE has a strong market presence and a proven track record of successfully managing and executing comparable international development and commercial projects for some of the world’s most renowned sports rights-holders. SPORTFIVE will support the New York Jets’ efforts in the United Kingdom with social and digital media, marketing and events, and strategic partnerships.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK JETS

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today’s league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and Jets 360 Productions, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.

ABOUT SPORTFIVE

SPORTFIVE utilizes the unique emotional power of sports to create and enable pioneering partnerships in sports. By delivering responsible commercialization, full-service-solutions and long-term value for all stakeholders in sports, SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans by leveraging a global network paired with decades of experience and innovative spirit. As market leader and with customer centricity and vast data intelligence at its core, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through its innovative digital solutions and thereby always aims to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports. SPORTFIVE operates as an international sports business and marketing agency with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in football, golf, esports, motorsport, handball, tennis, American football and many more. For more information, please visit SPORTFIVE’s website, content hub and social profiles.

 

This Article Was Written By Phil Sullivan

Phil Sullivan

I started JetNation in 2005 and have been a New York Jets season ticket holder since graduating from high school. My dream is to see the New York Jets win the Super Bowl. Until then, I will be right here on JetNation writing, dreaming and talking NY Jets football.

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