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Jaguars could be pushed out of Jacksonville for two years
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars could be pushed out of Jacksonville for two years

For the Jaguars to stay in Jacksonville long-term, the franchise might first have to leave the city.

The team revealed renderings for a $2 billion upgrade to TIAA Bank Field on Wednesday, noting the construction could be completed in two or four years. Under the expedited two-year time frame, the team would have to relocate while upgrades are completed.

Before that comes to a head, the renovations must be agreed upon by Jacksonville's mayor, the Jacksonville city council and the team. If all sides accept the terms of the agreement, the next step would be submitting the proposal for league approval, which the Jaguars are hoping to have ready for 2024's spring meetings.

Per ESPN, funding for the upgrades would be split 50-50 between Jags owner Shad Khan and the city. The proposal serves as a promising statement that Khan doesn't intend on moving the Jaguars to another city. 

Since 2013, the Jaguars have played at least one home game per year in London, with the league adding a second UK game for the Jags in 2023. 

ESPN lists the University of Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as well as Camping World Stadium in Orlando as potential short-term hosting options for the Jaguars under the two-year window. More games in London would also be a possibility in that scenario.

Regardless of how it happens, Jags fans in Duval County should be excited about the news. Having long been rumored for a potential permanent move to London, that should quiet down if the Jaguars work out a deal with the city. The stadium upgrades will be a major factor in the team's future. 

Per ESPN, the team's lease at TIAA Bank Field ends at the end of the 2029 season, and the league and 75 percent of its owners would have to sign off on a second lease in Jacksonville. "Renovating or building a new stadium is expected to be a critical part of getting approval," according to ESPN.

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