NFL Expansion: Could Charleston and Columbia be in the Running?

The NFL is one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, and with its current 32-team structure, fans are always speculating about potential expansion. One ESPN writer, Bill Barnwell, has thrown his hat into the ring, suggesting that if the league were to expand to 100 teams, Charleston and Columbia in South Carolina could be strong contenders for a franchise.

The NFL logo

Barnwell’s argument is based on the fact that in England, a country roughly the size of Ohio, there are 92 professional soccer clubs across the top five divisions. He believes that the NFL could follow a similar model, with multiple teams in smaller markets.

“With two other new teams just over 100 miles away in different directions, Columbia could remain the centerpiece of football in the Palmetto State or lose some of its market share to other major cities,” Barnwell writes.

Columbia, with its existing stadium infrastructure, could be an attractive option for an NFL team. The Gamecocks’ stadium could be easily adapted to accommodate an NFL team, making the transition smoother.

Columbia stadium

Charleston, on the other hand, is one of the fastest-growing cities on the Atlantic coastline, making it an attractive option for a team. The Citadel also has an 11,500-seat stadium in town, although a successful pro team could command larger crowds.

Charleston cityscape

South Carolina currently has no major professional sports team, but the market is there. The Carolina Panthers, who are based in North Carolina, are the closest team to the state, but Barnwell believes that with the right infrastructure, South Carolina could support its own team.

The state has had its fair share of failed sports projects, including the Panthers’ abandoned practice facility in Rock Hill. However, with the right investment and planning, an NFL team in South Carolina could be a huge success.

Rock Hill practice facility

While NFL expansion is still just speculation, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities. Could Charleston and Columbia be the next big thing in the NFL? Only time will tell.

NFL football