NFL tries to gain popularity in China

The NFL's drive to become a truly global sport. The league over the last several years has made a push to increase its presence outside North America and having taken the brand to London.

The NFL's drive to become a truly global sport. The league over the last several years has made a push to increase its presence outside North America and having taken the brand to London. The Leagues managing director has his sights set even further afield.

Outside the home of football in England another form of football is setting up roots.

The NFL for years has tried to tap into markets outside of North America and is finally making inroads in London. Before the four-down kind of football would stage one exhibition game a year in the English capital, and starting next year the NFL will now host three regular season games at Wembley.

So, now the North America's most successful league is eyeing another market.

Now the NFL does a good job of trying to market its game to its Chinese fans earlier this week NFL Legend Joe Montana visited the Middle Kingdom and he saw first hand how the Chinese are being drawn to the game.

One of the biggest drawbacks to gaining popularity is the cost --- pads and helmets are expensive, so the NFL is promoting flag football which is cheaper, and sometimes more fun.

And these numbers prove that over the last year the NFL's exposure in China has increased significantly there was a 188-percent increase in the number of people who streamed games on the net. While almost 70-percent more people started following the league online. And despite a significant time difference when games are shown, there was an increase in how many people watch matches live over the past year.

But does that mean China is ready for the NFL? An exhibition game was proposed for the Bird's Nest a few years ago, but never came to fruition, but that could be back on the agenda.

Now while the NFL is happy with the amount of interest it now has compared to a few years ago. They feel the best way for growth in China is slow and steady, using the London model as an example.

It still seems like a longshot, before the NFL makes its way to China for an actual game, but as long as interest continues to grow, these fans may soon get the chance to watch games up close, in the stands.