Fans attending the upcoming NFL London games are set to contribute more than £90m to the capital’s coffers, according to a new study.

The NFL London Games return to the capital this weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the UK set to stage its 40th, 41st and 42nd matches since hosting a first in 2007.

And fans continue to flock to the home of Spurs and to Wembley in their droves, despite ticket appetite dipping a little this year.

Research by American Express found that fans are expecting to spend £453 per match across this month, including the cost of tickets, travel and accommodation, with over 90 per cent of those attending expected to do so from outside of London.

The NFL games in the capital get underway with the Indianapolis Colts versus the Washington Commanders, who are co-owned by Crystal Palace investor David Blitzer. Fulham FC owner Shahid Khan’s Jacksonville Jaguars then face the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before playing the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium.

NFL Lodnon returns

Over two thirds of the 2,000 respondents stated that they planned to stay in London for at least two or three nights, which could in future years be impacted by government plans to introduce a tourist tax.

“The NFL London Games have become a major moment in the UK sporting calendar, and our research shows the experience for fans extends far beyond what happens on the field,” said Aaron Burke of American Express. 

“Fans are making the most of the occasion, and dining, hotel stays, shopping and more are all part of their experience. As the Official Payments Partner of the NFL, we’re proud to help fans get closer to the experiences they love while celebrating the incredible growth of the sport in the UK.”

American Express cardmember data indicated that last year’s total spend was 10 per cent higher than the previous year, while Sports Consultancy Group analysis for the NFL states that the 39 matches played in London so far have contributed to more than £2bn in economic impact. 

The trio of London games continue an ever-expanding international calendar for the North American sport, with matches this year also taking place in Australia, Brazil, Spain, Germany, France and Mexico.