NFL in Toronto

The first professional U.S. football team to play a home game in Toronto was the Los Angeles Wildcats of the American Football League of 1926, the first major competitor to the National Football League for the dominance of professional football. While the Wildcats nominally represented Los Angeles, travel to the west coast posed a major obstacle at the time so the team was instead a traveling team based in Illinois. They played most of their games in the home stadiums of their opponents, with the exception of the Toronto game. The Wildcats lost the regular season game to the New York Yankees (which would join the NFL the following year) 28–0 in front of 10,000 fans at Maple Leaf Stadium on 8 November 1926.{{cite news|title="Red" Grange's team scored 4 touchdowns|date=1926-11-09|last=Hewitt|first=W.A.|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star}} The game was relatively popular; at the time Canadian football still more closely resembled rugby football and would not adopt the forward pass until three years after the game.

In 1955, Eric Cradock, who would later become part owner of the Argos, stated that he was considering bringing two NFL teams to the city to play a game to test the market's interest in a full-time NFL franchise; this was four years after the second of two games, featuring the NFL's New York Giants, had been played in Ottawa against the local Canadian football team, the Ottawa Rough Riders. The NFL played its first game in Toronto in 1959, when the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League hosted the first of three NFL teams in a three-season span. The first ever appearance of an NFL team in Toronto was in August of that year during the Chicago Cardinals–Toronto Argonauts exhibition game, hosted to celebrate the grand opening of Exhibition Stadium; it broke the record for exhibition attendance in Canada at 27,770. These interleague exhibition games, which had been first tried in Ottawa in 1950 and were later staged in Montreal, were typically played by CFL rules in the first half and NFL rules in the second. The Argos lost all three games. The nearby Hamilton Tiger-Cats also hosted a game against the Bills, then an American Football League team. Buffalo lost the game 38–21, the only time a current or future NFL team would lose to a CFL team. In 1960 the New York Giants and Chicago Bears played an exhibition game at Varsity Stadium in the first game featuring two NFL teams to be played outside the United States.

During the 1982 NFL season the NFL players went on strike. In the absence of regular season NFL games, the National Football League Players Association scheduled a series of All-star games across the continent to raise funds. A game between the AFC East and NFC East was scheduled for Toronto's Varsity Stadium for October 24.{{cite news|title=NFL game for Toronto on Sunday up in the air|date=1982-10-19|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=Toronto game with NFL stars 'full-tilt go'|date=1982-10-20|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} However, the game was cancelled following a court ruling that permitted players who participated in the games to be sued by their clubs for violating their contracts.{{cite news|title=Three games in Canada NFL stars plan series|date=1982-09-29|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=Court decision kills NFL game set for Toronto|date=1982-10-21|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}

A Toronto group had plans to bring the Buffalo Bills to Toronto to play an exhibition game at Exhibition Stadium in 1988, with hopes that it would become an annual event.{{cite news|title=CFL puts boots to NFL exhibition|date=1988-04-09|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|last=McRae|first=Earl}}{{cite news|title=CFL officials fight plan for NFL game at the Ex|date=1987-09-30|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Jim|last=Byers}} However, following objections from CFL Commissioner Douglas Mitchell{{cite news|title=Argos can't veto use of stadium|date=1987-10-03|newspaper=Toronto Star|first1=Jim|last1=Byers|first2=Peter|last2=Edwards}}{{cite news|title=Mitchell conveys opposition to NFL exhibition in Toronto|date=1987-10-31|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} the game was vetoed by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle.{{cite news|title=Toronto plan vetoed NFL game off; CFL objected|date=1988-01-30|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} The group would unsuccessfully continue to try to arrange a game for a future season. In 1993 the Cleveland Browns hosted one of their pre-season games in Toronto, which was organized by Molson Brewery, due to a scheduling conflict at Cleveland Stadium with the Cleveland Indians.{{cite news|title=Molson eyes NFL|date=1993-07-31|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Ken|last=McKee}} As early as 1994 the Bills were considered hosting some of their regular season home games in Toronto, with SkyDome officials actively attempting to organize a regular season NFL game at the new stadium.{{cite news|title=Toronto on NFL list says Bronco owner|date=1994-12-02|newspaper=Hamilton Spectator|last=Morris|first=Jim}}{{cite news|title=NFL regular season game might hit SkyDome in '96|date=1994-10-31|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=McKee|first=Ken}}{{cite web|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/290713521|title=Master of disguise For Steelers' Capers, the best defense is a good pretense|date=1994-12-04|access-date=2013-09-11|last=McDonough|first=Will|work=Boston Globe}} When the NFL reached a five-year partnership agreement with the CFL in 1997, which included a $3 million loan to the Canadian league, the NFL received the CFL's blessing to hold an annual preseason or regular season game in either Toronto or Vancouver for the duration of the agreement.{{cite news|title=Ticats welcome deal: CFL gets $3m, marketing help from NFL|date=1997-04-10|newspaper=Hamilton Spectator|last=Dickins|first=Jeff}} The Bills played in two pre-season American Bowls in Toronto in 1995 and 1997, organized by Paul Godfrey, in an attempt to prove the city's worthiness to host a franchise permanently. The Argos received $300,000 from the organizers to waive their exclusivity on football at the stadium for the game in 1995.{{cite news|title=NFL comes up for northern exposure|date=1995-08-13|newspaper=Vancouver Province|last=Spencer|first=Kent}} In 2000 the NFL announced that SkyDome would host American Bowls in 2001 and 2003,{{cite news|title=Two more NFL 'Bowls' are headed for SkyDome|date=2000-01-28|newspaper=Toronto Star}}{{cite news|title=American Bowl returns|date=2000-01-28|newspaper=National Post}} but the games ultimately never took place, with the 2001 game being scrapped due to a lack of high-profile teams willing to participate.{{cite news|title=Moon given Super sendoff|date=2001-01-26|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Perkins|first=Dave}} A planned game featuring the Chicago Bears in the 2002 season was called off in part due to the poor state of the artificial turf at the SkyDome.{{cite news|title=Even Da Bears don't like Da Dome|date=2003-01-24|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Dave|last=Perkins}}

At the 2005 Super Bowl, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said the league was considering staging an NFL regular season game in Toronto within a few years, with Godfrey and Rogers Communications bidding to host a game at the SkyDome, which had been renamed the Rogers Centre, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Larry Tanenbaum, chairman and minority owner of MLSE.{{cite news|title=Will NFL road show arrive in Toronto?; Godfrey chases regular- season game London the early favourite for 2006|date=2005-09-27|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Byers|first=Jim}}{{cite news|title=FOOTBALL NFL: Toronto partners pitch to host game|date=2005-10-04|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Grange|first=Michael}}{{cite news|title=Godfrey buoyed by talks; NFL officials may decide on Toronto quest in weeks Rogers Centre could host game as early as next year|date=2005-10-04|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Byers|first=Jim}} Toronto was five cities considered to host a game in 2007,{{cite news|title=A move north for NFL 'certainly a possibility'|first=Joe|last=O'Connor|newspaper=National Post|date=2006-11-30}}{{cite news|title=Larry and Ted's NFL adventure Leafs' Tanenbaum and Jays' Rogers chase a National Football League team for Toronto|date=2006-09-06|last=Campbell|first=Morgan|newspaper=Toronto Star}} but at the request of the CFL the NFL pushed back their plans for a game in the city by a year so as not to compete with the 95th Grey Cup being hosted in Toronto for the first time since 1992.{{cite news|title=Dream on, Toronto -- NFL holding out|date=2007-02-03|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|last=Tait|first=Ed}}{{cite news|title=NFL plans a regular season game in England for 2007|date=2007-01-17|newspaper=Kimberly Daily Bulletin}}{{cite news|title=NFL door closes on Toronto franchise|date=2006-02-04|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|last=Sekeres|first=Matthew}}{{cite news|title=NFL will play in Canada|date=2006-10-25|last=Naylor|first=David|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}

File:Toronto - ON - Rogers Centre (Nacht).jpg from 2008 to 2013.]]

{{Main|Bills Toronto Series}}

On October 18, 2007, the Bills announced that they were seeking NFL approval to play a pre-season and at least one regular season home game in Toronto in an attempt to regionalize the franchise and capitalize on the southern Ontario market. Moving games from Ralph Wilson Stadium required the approval of Erie County and the Empire State Development Corporation.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/616482.html?imw=Y|title=Bills confirm Toronto interest in second game|newspaper=Buffalo News|date=23 March 2009}} For decades, the Bills have had a large fan base in southern Ontario. The team averages 15,000 Canadian fans a game,{{cite news| last = Wawrow| first = John| title = Buffalo Bills May play Game in Toronto | agency=Associated Press | date = 2007-10-18 | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/19/AR2007101900608.html | access-date = 2008-01-18 }} and has a Canadian sales office and radio affiliate in Toronto: CJCL. The NFL's television rules in Canada have been applied in a similar manner to secondary markets in the U.S., so that nearly all Bills games are televised in Toronto (on CFTO and CITY). Toronto is within a 75-mile (120 km) radius of Ralph Wilson Stadium, and thus it was subject to the league's blackout policy for home games that do not sell out.

On January 30, 2008, it was announced that Rogers Communications and Tanenbaum had reached an agreement with the Bills to host five annual regular-season and three exhibition NFL games over five seasons at Toronto's Rogers Centre, beginning in 2008.{{cite news|title=The breakdown of the Bills' plan to play 8 games in T.O.|date=2008-02-07|newspaper=Hamilton Spectator}}{{cite web | last = Huras | first = Adam | title = NFL: Bills reportedly playing games in Toronto for next five years | publisher = National Post | date = 2008-01-30 | url = http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/01/30/nfl-bills-to-play-regular-season-game-in-toronto-for-next-five-years.aspx | access-date = 2008-01-30 }}{{dead link|date=November 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}Gaughan, Mark and Jerry Sullivan. [http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/264441.html Bills have deal in place for Toronto games]. Buffalo News. 30 January 2008. Rogers Communications, owner of the Rogers Centre, paid {{CAD|78 million}} for the games.Warzala, Steve. [http://wgr550.com/Bills-to-be-paid--78-Million/2093366 Bills to be paid $78 Million]{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. WGR. 29 April 2008. Unlike the NFL International Series games in London, the Bills Toronto Series games were organized by the Bills and Rogers, and not the NFL. Priority to purchase tickets for Bills in Toronto games was given to season ticket holders of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.{{cite news|title=Ticats, Argos fans to get top priority for Bills tickets|date=2008-01-31|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Naylor|first=David}}

Tickets were originally sold only as a package for all eight games, with prices ranging from {{CAD|55}} to {{CAD|295,}} and VIP tickets from {{CAD|325}} to {{CAD|575.}}[http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=57667 Bills Tickets for games in Toronto average $183]{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Associated Press. 7 May 2008. The average ticket price of {{CAD|183}} was significantly above the highest in the NFL (after converting to U.S. dollars), and nearly four times the Bills' ticket prices, which were the lowest in the league. Buffalo won the first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24–21, but there were reports that organizers had to give away over 10,000 tickets to ensure a sellout crowd, a suggestion denied by Ted Rogers, President and CEO of Rogers Communications.Campbell, Morgan. [https://www.thestar.com/article/478982 Bills win, scalpers lose in NFL exhibition game in Toronto]. Toronto Star. 15 August 2008. The first regular season game against the division rival Miami Dolphins was played after the completion of the 2008 CFL season. The Bills lost 16–3, eliminating them from playoff contention for the ninth straight year. Reportedly, about half of the crowd was Dolphins fans.Warner, Gene. [http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/519766.html Bills’ Toronto venture fails to rouse passions of Canadian fans]. The Buffalo News. 11 December 2008.Russo, Jeff. WKBW-TV news report. 7 December 2008.

In March 2009 Rogers announced that it was considering renegotiating the agreement to add a second annual regular-season Bills game beginning in 2010,Graham, Tim. [http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-6-91/Plans-afoot-to-move-more-Bills-games-to-Toronto-.html Plans afoot to move more Bills games to Toronto] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324023852/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-6-91/Plans-afoot-to-move-more-Bills-games-to-Toronto-.html |date=2009-03-24 }}. ESPN.com. March 2009. though this never came to fruition. Ticket prices for the 2009 game were lowered by an average of 17%.[http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/04/13/daily8.html Toronto ticket prices reduced for Bills]. Buffalo Business First. 13 April 2009. The game, which the Bills lost 19–13 to the New York Jets, was a featured on the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football package. The following year, the Bills lost to the Chicago Bears, 22–19.

During negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement with the players in 2011, NFL officials considered lengthening the season by 2 games, with the possibility of incorporating additional international play. Rogers again expressed an interest in expanding the series by an additional game per season, particularly if the schedule was lengthened.[https://archive.today/20130209044143/http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=93836&catid=37 Rogers Communications Wants More Buffalo Bills Games in Toronto]. Associated Press (2010-11-05). Retrieved 2010-11-05. The Bills organization opposed playing more than one regular season game each year in Toronto.[http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2012/09/19/brandon-no-multiple-games-in-toronto/ Brandon: No multiple games in Toronto]. BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved September 19, 2012. However, the schedule ultimately remained at 16 games. In his "State of the Team" address in 2011, Bills CEO Russ Brandon said that the series had been a major success and had increased the share of ticket sales from Toronto by 44% relative to prior to the series.Gaughan, Mark (2011-03-30). [http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article379741.ece Toronto deal paying off for Bills]. The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2011-03-30. Later that year the Bills won their first game in Toronto, defeating the Washington Redskins, 23–0.

The pre-season game originally scheduled for the fifth year of the series was moved back to Buffalo, due to conflicts at the Rogers Centre with home games for the Blue Jays and Argonauts{{cite web | title=Bills' pre-season game in Toronto moving back to Buffalo | agency=Associated Press | date=2012-02-21 | url=http://tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=388432 | access-date=December 3, 2014 | archive-date=February 23, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223170932/http://tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=388432 | url-status=dead }} and a Bruce Springsteen concert.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/bills-to-host-seahawks-in-toronto-game-1.1202433|title=Bills to host Seahawks in Toronto game|agency=Associated Press | date=2012-04-17|access-date=2012-09-19}} In the final regular season game of the original deal, the Bills lost to the Seattle Seahawks 50–17.

On May 22, 2012, the league gave their approval for a five-year extension to the Bills Toronto Series through 2017, should the two sides reach an agreement.[http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/sns-tsn-abn-canada-buf-20120522,0,1935009.story NFL approves five-year extension for Bills' Toronto series]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. SportsNetwork.com. Retrieved May 22, 2012. The renewal, featuring one regular season game each year plus a pre-season game in 2015, was formally announced on January 29, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Rogers-Media-Buffalo-Bills-extend-Toronto-deal/012d6a99-d572-4c84-9d8a-c90680570b3b|title=Rogers Media, Buffalo Bills extend Toronto deal|date=2013-01-29|access-date=2013-08-22|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021075541/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Rogers-Media-Buffalo-Bills-extend-Toronto-deal/012d6a99-d572-4c84-9d8a-c90680570b3b|archive-date=2013-10-21|url-status=dead}} Rogers reportedly paid roughly half of the $78 million the original deal cost.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/nfl/since-renewal-bills-making-basically-the-same-money-off-toronto-games-as-regular-home-games/|title=Since renewal, Bills making 'basically the same' money off Toronto games as regular home games|first=John|last=Kryk|publisher=Toronto Sun|date=2014-03-05|access-date=2014-12-03|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141203211246/http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/nfl/since-renewal-bills-making-basically-the-same-money-off-toronto-games-as-regular-home-games/|archive-date=2014-12-03}} In the first game of the second deal, the Bills lost to the Atlanta Falcons 34–31 in overtime.

On March 5, 2014, the Bills and Rogers released a joint statement which announced that they had "postponed for one year the scheduled 2014 regular season game at Rogers Centre" and that they would "use this time to collectively evaluate opportunities and build on the foundation to enhance future games."{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Buffalo-Bills--Rogers-Media-postpone-Toronto-series-for-2014/c2d3ef98-85d1-4e26-a485-7b2594f22c6c|title=Buffalo Bills & Rogers Media postpone Toronto series for 2014|date=2014-03-05|access-date=2014-03-08|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308160857/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Buffalo-Bills--Rogers-Media-postpone-Toronto-series-for-2014/c2d3ef98-85d1-4e26-a485-7b2594f22c6c|archive-date=2014-03-08|url-status=dead}}"No Toronto in 2014." WGR. Retrieved March 5, 2014. "WGR has learned that the Buffalo Bills will not play in Toronto this season. The future of the Toronto Series is unclear. Keep it locked to WGR for details" Keith Pelley, President of Rogers Communication, said that "there's no hiding the fact the series did not get off to a rosy start" and that "it's tough midway through to change that perception, hence the reason why we thought it would be a best to take a year off then re-launch it once we've thought that through."{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/bills-postpone-toronto-series-for-one-year/|title=Bills postpone Toronto Series for one year|date=2014-03-05|access-date=2014-03-08|publisher=Sportsnet}} Pelly also raised the possibility that the series would be replaced by an NFL International Series game not featuring the Bills.{{cite episode|title=Prime Time Sports|date=2014-03-06|network=Sportsnet Radio|station=590 The Fan|time=5pm}} Brandon described Toronto as a "challenged market" for the team and stated that the series "has not translated into enough wins for us there". However, Brandon also emphasized the financial benefits of the series by saying that it has "taken a game out of the [Buffalo] market that has essentially taken 70,000 seats out of our market, and we've truly only sold out two of our home games". He went on to say "we've manufactured sellouts in the other four or five. We're trying to find ways to obviously keep this team viable and we've done a very good job, and this [Toronto] series has obviously contributed to that".{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10077465/buffalo-bills-review-toronto-game-future|title=CEO: Bills to review Toronto future|publisher=ESPN|date=2013-12-04|access-date=2014-03-08|last=Rodak|first=Mike}} Brandon has also said that the additional game would "stress-test the Buffalo market".{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/05/bills-in-toronto-series-shelved-but-source-says-it-will-resume-for-four-more-years|title=Bills-in-Toronto series shelved for 2014|date=2014-03-05|access-date=2014-03-08|newspaper=Toronto Sun|last=Kryk|first=John}} Brandon revealed that "Southern Ontario and the Toronto market and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) are now the top secondary market of the Buffalo Bills".{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Russ-Brandon-Well-have-a-full-slate-of-games-at-Ralph-Wilson-Stadium/8c206cae-634a-49c4-b354-a2617e2fd4e6|title=Russ Brandon: "We'll have a full slate of games at Ralph Wilson Stadium"|date=2014-03-05|access-date=2014-03-08|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309054439/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Russ-Brandon-Well-have-a-full-slate-of-games-at-Ralph-Wilson-Stadium/8c206cae-634a-49c4-b354-a2617e2fd4e6|archive-date=2014-03-09|url-status=dead}} Following the death of team owner Ralph Wilson in March 2014 the Bills were purchased by Kim and Terrence Pegula, who announced their intentions to end the Toronto Series in a November 2014 interview.Wawrow, John (November 5, 2014). [http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/bills-owners-commit-new-home Bills owners commit to new home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106060916/http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/bills-owners-commit-new-home |date=2014-11-06 }}. Associated Press. Retrieved November 5, 2014. On December 3, 2014, it was announced that the Bills and Rogers Communications had reached an agreement to cancel the Toronto Series, despite four years being left on the contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-and-Rogers-Communications-agree-to-terminate-Toronto-series/99855c5e-4373-4560-845a-0a31e6a9a18f|title=Bills and Rogers Communications agree to terminate Toronto series|date=2014-12-03|access-date=2014-12-03|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209060605/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-and-Rogers-Communications-agree-to-terminate-Toronto-series/99855c5e-4373-4560-845a-0a31e6a9a18f|archive-date=2014-12-09|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Buffalo Bills pull the plug on Toronto NFL series|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/buffalo-bills-pull-the-plug-on-toronto-nfl-series/article21903955/|access-date=December 3, 2014|work=The Globe and Mail|date=December 3, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Bills terminate Toronto series|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24861962/bills-terminate-toronto-series|access-date=3 December 2014}}

When a major snow storm hit Buffalo in late November 2014, forcing the Bills to move a home game from Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Rogers Centre was considered as an alternate site. However, a conflicting event and concerns about getting passports for all the players and staff on short notice made this unworkable, and Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan was chosen instead.{{cite web|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/11/20/bills-jets-played-pittsburgh-detroit-washington/|title=Bills-Jets could be played at Detroit, Pittsburgh or Washington|first=Vic|last=Carucci|date=2014-11-20|access-date=2014-11-20|newspaper=Buffalo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122201345/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/11/20/bills-jets-played-pittsburgh-detroit-washington/|archive-date=2014-11-22|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|url=http://mmqb.si.com/2014/11/24/odell-beckham-catch-new-york-giants-week-12-nfl/2/|title=Odell of a Catch|date=2014-11-24|access-date=2015-03-15|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

After NFL owners voted to expand the NFL International Series to include games in international cities outside the United Kingdom, Mark Waller, executive vice-president international of the NFL, said that though the initial target markets were Mexico and Germany, Canada was also under consideration to host a game and that Toronto was "a major opportunity".{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/07/nfl-owners-approve-more-international-games-including-games-outside-england|title=NFL owners approve more international games, including games outside England|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=2015-10-07|access-date=2015-10-08}} League staff visited the city in 2016 to investigate the suitability of the Rogers Centre to play host to future games.{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/nfl/nfl-took-cross-canada-scouting-trip-in-2016-could-play-future-games-in-toronto-edmonton-or-elsewhere|title=NFL took cross-Canada scouting trip in 2016, could play future games in Toronto, Edmonton or elsewhere|date=2017-02-01|access-date=2017-04-05|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=National Post}} Chris Halpin, who replaced Waller, reiterated in 2019 that Canada was being considered for a future International Series game.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/30/browns-ravens-bucs-rams-jaguars-panthers-nfl-london-week-4|title=Forget the Hype—the Browns Are Beginning to Believe in Themselves|date=2019-09-30|access-date=2019-10-09|publisher=Sports Illustrated}} In 2021 the NFL expanded its season to 17 games per team, with four of the additional regular season games planned to be held in international markets annually. Canada was mentioned as a market that was a focus for hosting these games, along with Europe, Mexico, South America and the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/football/nfl-eyes-regular-season-games-for-canada|title=NFL eyes regular-season games for Canada|date=2021-03-30|accessdate=2021-05-02|publisher=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}} In June 2021 Toronto was also reportedly under consideration to be a temporary home for the Buffalo Bills prior to the completion of construction of a proposed new stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-to-build-new-stadium-whats-the-timeline-and-what-can-happen|title=Buffalo Bills to Build New Stadium: What's the Timeline and What can Happen?|date=2021-06-19|accessdate=2021-06-20|publisher=Sports Illustrated}}

Below is a list of games played in southern Ontario by teams from the NFL, and its predecessor leagues the American Football League of 1926 (AFL 1926) and American Football League (AFL) from which the NFL absorbed teams.

While Toronto has been home to American football teams, including the Continental Football League's Toronto Rifles from 1965 to 1967, no NFL team has ever been based in the city. However, there were numerous efforts to bring an NFL club to Toronto from 1975 to 2014.{{cite web|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/bon-jovi-nfl-toronto-latest-series-fantasies-155219296.html|title=Bon Jovi, MLSE and the NFL in Toronto: The latest in a series of fantasies?|first=Chris|last=Zelkovich|date=2013-11-25|access-date=2014-05-18|publisher=Yahoo! Sports}} In 1952 it was reported that the Dallas Texans of the NFL might be moved to Toronto.{{cite news|title=Pro Football Team Predicted for Toronto|date=1952-11-29|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} In 1955, Eric Cradock, who would later become part owner of the Argos, stated that he had held discussions with the NFL about establishing a Toronto NFL team.{{cite news|title=Crodock May Import NFL Contest to Canada To Test Pro Reception|date=1955-01-08|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} Later that year it was reported that the Argos would join the NFL by 1957, contingent upon a larger stadium being constructed, and that there were several other bidders for a Toronto NFL team.{{cite news|title=Argonauts Join NFL With 50,000 Park?|date=1955-04-25|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} A Toronto group announced in 1960 that they were in negotiations with the league for a Toronto franchise to begin play by 1962.{{cite news|title=No Application--Halas: Six-Man Local Group Seeks NFL Franchise|date=1960-01-11|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Walker|first=Gord}} The same year, a separate group brought the New York Giants and Chicago Bears to Toronto to play an exhibition game at Varsity Stadium with the goal of eventually acquiring an expansion franchise for the city.{{cite news|title=Giants to Face Bears at Varsity: NFL Franchise Ultimate Goal Of Toronto Men Promoting Game|date=1960-04-05|last=Vipond|first=Jim|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} However, prior to the game George Halas, owner of the Bears and chairman of the NFL's expansion committee, said on NFL expansion into Canada "we should not do anything detrimental to [Canada's] game".{{cite news|title=No Designs on Canada: NFL Expansion Rumors Spiked|date=1960-08-05|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} In 1964 a Toronto group submitted a bid for an expansion franchise to begin play in 1967, with plans to construct a new stadium.{{cite news|title=$21 Million Domed Stadium In Shankman's NFL Bid|date=1965-06-05|last=Vipond|first=Jim|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=NFL Goes Where Parks Are|date=1965-06-18|first=Dick|last=Beddoes|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} The following year, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle listed the city as one of 12 potential expansion markets, but stated that "we would not want to do anything detrimental to the CFL."{{cite news|title=NFL Commissioner Rozelle Lists Toronto As Site for Franchise in Expanded League|date=1965-06-04|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=National Football League Chief Urges Addition of 2 Clubs in '67|newspaper=New York Times|date=1965-06-04}} In 1969, a Toronto group approached the NFL about bringing a team to the city.{{cite news|title=By Dick Beddoes|last=Beddoes|first=Dick|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=1969-07-10}} Later that year, Rozelle said that the league could expand "outside the continental United States", including possibly to Canadian cities.{{cite news|title=NFL planning to expand and may include Canada|date=1969-08-21|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}

During John W. H. Bassett's ownership of the Argonauts from 1957 to 1974, he entertained various machinations for bringing American football to Toronto, including moving the Argos to the NFL or bringing an NFL expansion team to the city.{{cite news|title=Will the Canadian Football League survive?|date=1972-10-01|pages=85|last=Batten|first=Jack|magazine=Maclean's}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jc3YbqHtsW4C&pg=PT199|title=Bassett: John Bassett's forty years in politics, publishing, business and sports|last=Siggins|first=Maggie|year=2011|publisher=James Lorimer & Company|isbn=9781552779491}}{{cite news|title=Argonauts and the NFL|date=1971-09-07|first=Milt|last=Dunnell|newspaper=Toronto Daily Star}} At the time Montreal was also pursuing an NFL team and Bassett was concerned that if they were successful it could lead to the demise of the Montreal Alouettes and ultimately the CFL. He viewed his plans to have Toronto join the NFL as a precaution against such a scenario. His son John F. Bassett's attempt to launch the Toronto Northmen in the World Football League in 1974 led to the Canadian government proposing the Canadian Football Act, a bill that was never approved but would have banned US football leagues from playing in Canada to protect the CFL from competition.{{cite news|title=Alternative to Tiger-Cats: Bassett sees Hamilton in USFL|date=1983-03-22|first=Marty|last=York|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}{{cite news|title=Basset says Northmen likely to move|date=1974-05-04|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} The bill forced Bassett to move the club to Memphis where they became the Memphis Southmen.{{cite news|title=Toronto of W.F.L. Gets Memphis Home|date=1974-05-07|newspaper=New York Times}}

As far back as the early 1970s, Larry Tanenbaum, now the chairman and minority owner of MLSE, and future Chairman of the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Paul Godfrey had plans for the construction of a stadium to bring an NFL team to Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://torontolife.com/city/toronto-sports/larry-tanenbaum-mlse-chairman-losing-legacy-last-chance/|title=Can Larry Tanenbaum transform his losing legacy?|access-date=2016-05-01|newspaper=Toronto Life|date=November 12, 2015}} In 1980, an NFL spokesperson said that "we would not consider expanding into Canada unless the federal government extends an invitation".{{cite news|title=NFL expansion into Canada not planned|date=1980-10-31|last=Golla|first=James|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} Rozelle said in 1987 that "Toronto and Montreal are both great cities, capable of supporting NFL franchises, but ... we have an obligation to those cities in the United States". After several US lawmakers suggested that they would pressure the NFL to expand within the United States rather than to Canada, Don Weiss, executive director of the NFL, said in 1987 that "Congressional pressure will obviously be brought to bear on us" and that "their reaction will affect our decision."{{cite news|title=Congress will keep Canada out of NFL|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Bob|last=Hepburn|date=1987-07-09}}{{cite news|title=Congressman urges examination of NFL anti-trust exemption|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Bob|last=Hepburn|date=1989-02-03}} In 1990, new commissioner Paul Tagliabue said that "it is obviously realistic in this decade" for an NFL team to be based in Canada.{{cite news|title=NFL eyeing Canada, Tagliabue says|date=1990-08-10|newspaper=Toronto Star}} However, the following year he said he would continue Rozelle's policy of not expanding into Canada.{{cite news|title=Tagliabue torpedoes Toronto's NFL hopes|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|last=MacDonald|first=Ian|date=1991-01-27}} In 1992, with the NFL considering expansion, Tagliabue said "it's a decision we made to limit expansion applications to U.S. cities, because it's our belief that a number of U.S. cities are qualified, and they should be serviced first". He went on to say "we're simply making a business judgment" and it "has nothing to do with any understanding with the Canadian Football League."{{cite news|title=Toronto isn't on NFL list|first=Cam|last=Cole|date=1992-01-25|newspaper=Edmonton Journal}} However, by 1995 Tagliabue said of Toronto "we're very interested in this market".{{cite news|title=NFL brass still courting Toronto|date=1995-06-01|newspaper=Edmonton Journal}} The same year, Roger Goodell, the NFL's vice-president and future commissioner, said Toronto was "unquestionably one of the cities under consideration for future expansion."{{cite news|title=Toronto's capacity to support NFL team goes under microscope|date=1995-09-02|last=York|first=Marty|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}}

When the plans for the construction of SkyDome were being developed an NFL team was considered as a possible tenant for the new stadium.{{cite news|title=Stadium opens door to NFL team in Toronto|newspaper=Montreal Gazette|date=1985-09-27}}{{cite news|title=Dome could be home to NFL, Flynn says|date=1985-09-27|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=York|first=Geoffrey}} To retain flexibility for this possibility, the stadium operators resisted giving the Argos football exclusivity in their lease at the stadium.{{cite news|title=Toronto's rich dome small burden on taxpayers; But battle between breweries may leave Argos out in cold|date=1985-12-07|first=Peter|last=Hadekel|newspaper=Montreal Gazette}} In 1989, shortly after an announcement that a Montreal-based group was seeking an NFL team for their city, a group led by Godfrey and Carling O'Keefe Breweries announced that they had been pursuing an NFL team for two years to play at the soon to be opened SkyDome, as a contingency in case the CFL or the Argos folded. O'Keefe had previously owned the Argos and retained the right to put an NFL team in the SkyDome if the Argos ceased to exist.{{cite news|title=Toronto group reveals plans for NFL bid But Ornest, CFL say their league isn't about to fold|date=1989-02-02|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Robert|last=Brehl}}{{cite news|title=Toronto group sought advice on NFL bid in '86, letter shows|date=1989-02-10|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Mark|last=Harding}}{{cite news|title=Toronto group joins bidding for NFL team|date=1989-02-02|newspaper=Montreal Gazette}}{{cite news|title=Letter reveals stunning details on bid got NFL|date=1989-02-10|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=John|last=Robertson}} In 1994, Labatt Brewing Company, then owner of the Blue Jays and Argonauts, considered purchasing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and relocating them to SkyDome following the death of club owner Hugh Culverhouse,{{cite news|title=Labatt interested in NFL's Buccaneers, report says|date=1994-11-13|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen}}{{cite news|title=Labatt eyeing NFL Bucs|newspaper=Vancouver Province|date=1994-11-14|last=Spencer|first=Kent}} with Richard Peddie, who was President of Labatt's sports division, saying that he hoped to acquire a team for the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/11/13/tampa-bay-buccaneers-57/|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers|date=1994-11-13|access-date=2013-12-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/13/sports/pro-football-labatt-reported-to-eye-buccaneers.html|title=PRO FOOTBALL; Labatt Reported To Eye Buccaneers|date=1994-11-13|access-date=2013-12-27|work=New York Times}} Toronto was one of five finalist cities who had groups bidding to purchase the franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1994/12/05/baltimore-among-five-to-make-bucs-first-cut/|title=Baltimore among five to make Bucs' first cut|date=1994-12-05|access-date=2013-12-27|last=Stellino|first=Vito}} Toronto interests also pursued the LA Rams before they relocated to St. Louis in 1995.{{cite news|title=Toronto, Mexico City could be next on NFL's expansion agenda|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=1995-02-01|last=McDonald|first=Archie}} Toronto was one of several cities that Art Modell considered relocating the Cleveland Browns to in 1995 prior to choosing Baltimore.{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/bal-modell121795,0,1763650,full.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105190455/http://www.latimes.com/sports/bal-modell121795,0,1763650,full.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-05|title=Inside the Browns deal|date=1995-12-17|access-date=2013-09-11|newspaper=LA Times|last=Morgan|first=Jon}} By this time, the Godfrey led group was hoping for a team by the 1998 season, with Tagliabue saying the city was on the short list of expansion candidates.{{cite news|title=Toronto NFL franchise backers eye '98 season kickoff|date=1995-06-01|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Ken|last=McKee}} In 1997 the Minnesota Vikings went up for sale and a Toronto group inquired about purchasing the team.{{cite news|title=Toronto in chase for NFL's Vikings|date=1997-10-30|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Christie|first=James}}

The relocation of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Raiders to St. Louis and Oakland respectively in 1995 left the second largest market in the United States without a team. This was long considered an obstacle to Toronto acquiring an NFL team, as the league had made it a priority to return a team to LA, with NFL official Eric Grubman calling it "one of our top goals".{{cite web |url= http://www.footballnewsnow.com/2010/nfl-says-moving-team-to-los-angeles-is-top-goal/ |title= NFL Says Moving Team To Los Angeles Is "Top Goal" |author= Chuck Carroll |date= November 21, 2010 |work= footballnewsnow.com |access-date= December 21, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101126171329/http://www.footballnewsnow.com/2010/nfl-says-moving-team-to-los-angeles-is-top-goal/ |archive-date= 2010-11-26 |url-status= dead }}{{cite news|title= Toronto had another NFL dream the other day|url= http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=ddc1b2c2-d41a-4988-9e28-609ce7a459e0&k=96457|newspaper= Canada.com|access-date= December 21, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121109143438/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=ddc1b2c2-d41a-4988-9e28-609ce7a459e0&k=96457|archive-date= 2012-11-09|url-status= dead}}

The controversy surrounding the Browns' relocation to Baltimore eventually persuaded the NFL to agree to a settlement stipulating a return to Cleveland as soon as possible. When the NFL decided to return there via the addition of a 31st team in 1998, it confirmed an additional expansion team would be added as soon as possible so as to ensure an even number of teams. Toronto was one of three finalists for the NFL's 32nd franchise (along with Houston and Los Angeles) considered.{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1998/03/25/nfl-needs-dance-partner-for-cleveland/|title=Nfl Needs Dance Partner For Cleveland|date=1998-03-25|access-date=2013-09-11|last=Williams|first=Charean|publisher=Orlando Sentinel}}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-24-sp-32103-story.html|title=Expansion Team for Cleveland Means Ball Is in L.A.'s Hands|date=1998-03-24|access-date=2013-09-11|last=Simers|first=T.J.|newspaper=LA Times}}{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1998-03-24/sports/25744398_1_art-modell-s-browns-nfl-owners-nfl-office|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130912021257/http://articles.philly.com/1998-03-24/sports/25744398_1_art-modell-s-browns-nfl-owners-nfl-office|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2013|title=Cleveland Browns Return To Nfl They'll Be An Expansion Team In The Afc. The Original Franchise Went To Baltimore In 1996.|date=1998-03-24|access-date=2013-09-11|last=Sheridan|first=Phil}}{{cite web|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB423873448AA06&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title= Cleveland to get expansion team|date=1998-03-24|access-date=2013-09-11|work=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Mike|last=Mulligan}} At the time, Tagliabue said that "the CFL and NFL could fit together in Canada."{{cite news|title=Toronto in NFL won't kill CFL, Tagliabue says|date=1998-03-25|first=James|last=Christie|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} By this time there were questions whether SkyDome was a viable long-term NFL venue, with Godfrey developing plans for a new stadium near Downsview Park.{{cite news|title=Key to NFL team for Toronto is a new stadium|first=Mike|last=Zeisberger|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=1998-03-25}} Then Toronto mayor Mel Lastman ruled out funding from the city, saying "no money for professional sports".{{cite news|title=Lastman spikes idea of public cash to attract NFL team: Investors on their own: 'Not a penny' for pro sports, mayor says|date=1999-10-13|newspaper=National Post|last=Benzie|first=Robert}} It was speculated that if Toronto's bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics were successful, the stadium constructed for the games could be repurposed for an NFL club.{{cite news|title=Toronto NFL team affordable – in theory Experts say Godfrey could tie expansion club, stadium costs to 2008 Olympic Games bid|first=David|last=Shoalts|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=1998-04-28}} When it became clear that Toronto was not likely to get the expansion team, Godfrey suggested that "I don't think they'll leave L.A. or Houston out for, say, 10 years. I will, though, grab hold of the coattails of whoever is left out this time around and hopefully go in with them."{{cite news|title=NFL team in Toronto a good bet, says Godfrey|last=Ralp|first=Dan|date=1998-10-28|newspaper=Kitchener Record}} It was suggested that if the league expanded to LA (which ultimate lost out to Houston) it might need to grant a second expansion team to balance the league with an even number of teams, leaving the door open for Toronto. However, in 2005 Tagliabue said that "if there is expansion, I would think it would leave us with an odd number of teams for some period of time." He went on to say that "I don't see expansion in Canada as being related to what we might do in Los Angeles."

Godfrey was named president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays when the team was purchased by Rogers Communications in 2000. At the time, Godfrey stated that "part of my responsibilities are to chase an NFL team and other sports options".{{cite news|title=Blue Jays' man, Godfrey; New president says duties include pursuit of dream: an NFL team|date=2000-09-02|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Chung|first=Andrew}} Ted Rogers, who had held discussion with Godfrey with regards to owning an NFL team as far back as 1994, said that "We think the city deserves an NFL team. We want to be part of that."{{cite news|title=Godfrey family working on a football double: Arena first, NFL next?: CFL not threatened by Arena League, Tory suggests|date=2000-09-02|newspaper=National Post|last=Sandler|first=Jeremy}}{{cite news|title=New top Blue Jay moving fast on football; Godfrey hoping Jays success will help NFL chase|date=2000-09-04|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Baker|first=Geoff}} Corporate ownership is forbidden under the NFL's ownership policy, so Rogers Communications would not be able to buy a team like they did with the Blue Jays. Rather Ted Rogers would have had to have purchased it as an individual. When Rogers acquired the New England Sea Wolves of the Arena Football League and relocated them to Toronto a month later, it was suggested that the move would help the drive for an NFL team as the NFL had a close relationship with the AFL. Numerous AFL clubs were owned by NFL teams, and the NFL held an option to purchase 49.9% of the AFL, though it never executed it.{{cite news|title=Will Phantoms bounce Argos?: Arena football competes for fans|date=2000-10-18|last=Fitz-Gerald|first=Sean|newspaper=National Post}}{{cite news|title=The CFL needs to find a partner|newspaper=Hamilton Spectator|date=2000-10-18|last=Milton|first=Steve}}

By this time Godfrey had switched his focus from an expansion team to the relocation of an existing team, saying "I used to think an expansion franchise was the way to go but I'm quite certain now that our best chance would be to acquire an existing franchise. There are four or five franchises in the NFL that could move, and I see no reason why Toronto can't get one of them in the not-too-distant future."{{cite news|title=Godfrey remains committed to getting NFL team|last=York|first=Marty|date=2000-12-21|newspaper=Hamilton Spectator}} Late that year it was reported that Rogers had targeted the Arizona Cardinals to relocate to Toronto, with plans for the SkyDome to undergo a significant renovation to make it acceptable for the NFL, including removing the attached hotel so it could be replaced with extra seats.{{cite news|title=Rogers pursuing NFL for Toronto|date=2000-12-04|newspaper=The StarPhoenix}} In 2001 Godfrey said that "the NFL requires that the team control the luxury box revenues" of its stadium{{cite news|title=NFL in Toronto? SkyDome the key|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=2001-02-10}} As the SkyDome was owned by Sportsco at the time, this was an impediment to securing a team. However, following the purchase of the stadium by Rogers in 2004, this issue was resolved.{{cite news|title=Toronto could be a candidate for NFL expansion: Tagliabue|date=2005-02-05|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Perkins|first=Dave}}

It was reported in 2001 that the New Orleans Saints were considering Toronto as a potential city to relocate to.{{cite news|title=Step right up: Saints owner talks dirty to us: Centre of the Universe looks silly in latest NFL relocation report|date=2001-02-09|newspaper=National Post|last=Cole|first=Cam}} Godfrey has stated that in 2005 the NFL gave him and Tanenbaum permission to discuss the sale of the New Orleans Saints with team owner Tom Benson.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/NFL/2008/12/07/7661616-sun.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918071837/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/NFL/2008/12/07/7661616-sun.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=September 18, 2013|title=The dream that wouldn't die|last=Simmons|first=Steve|date=2008-12-07|access-date=2013-09-18|publisher=Toronto Sun}} It was reported that Benson rejected an offer of $1 billion from a group from Canada intending to relocate it to Canada.{{cite news| last = Care| first = Tony| title = Is Toronto ready for some NFL football?| publisher = CBC| date = 2006-10-19| url = http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/analysis-nfltoronto.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121026031045/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/analysis-nfltoronto.html| archive-date = 2012-10-26| access-date = 2008-01-20| url-status = dead}} However, following Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged New Orleans and severely damaged the Louisiana Superdome, Godfrey stated that "the Saints became a symbol for that community. Whatever deal there might have been disappeared." The Saints and Louisiana struck a deal to repair and renovate the Superdome, securing the Saints ties to New Orleans.{{cite news|url= https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/30/football-valuations-10_New-Orleans-Saints_309939.html|title= NFL Team Valuations: #21 New Orleans Saints|date= August 25, 2010|work= forbes.com|access-date= December 21, 2010|archive-date= December 30, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101230073213/http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/30/football-valuations-10_New-Orleans-Saints_309939.html|url-status= dead}}

In 2005, then NFL commissioner Tagliabue stated that "it could be very likely that the next franchises in the NFL, beyond (the current) 32, are outside the U.S. Toronto would certainly be a candidate",{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Fidlin/2006/05/05/1565713-sun.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140610072147/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Fidlin/2006/05/05/1565713-sun.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 10, 2014|title=NFL news good for T.O.|date=2006-05-05|access-date=2013-09-17|publisher=Toronto Sun}} though a year later he said that "I don't see any expansion on the horizon". In 2006, Tanenbaum said that he and Ted Rogers were "highly interested" in bringing an NFL franchise to Toronto and that he was going to "pursue it more rigorously" as soon as the NFL gave him the word. Daryl Katz, future owner of the Edmonton Oilers, was reportedly approached by the two about joining their group.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/touch-down-in-to/article18147971/?page=all|title=Touch down in T.O.|first1=David|last1=Naylor|first2=Stephen|last2=Brunt|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=2007-10-27|access-date=2015-10-08}} Later that year, new commissioner Roger Goodell said that international expansion was a "possibility" and that "the closer to the border, probably the more likely from a geographic standpoint."{{cite news|title=Goodell opens door to Toronto|first=David|last=Naylor|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=2006-11-30}} Toronto is located across Lake Ontario from the US. In 2007, Mark Waller, who was in charge of the NFL's international operations, was quoted as saying "ten years from now, I hope we will have a team ... in Toronto, playing within the NFL."{{cite news|title=NFL wants to be in Toronto within 10 years|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last=Kuriloff|first=Aaron|date=2007-07-13}} The same year it was reported that the owners of the Argos, David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski, fearing the NFL was preparing to move a team to Toronto, had developed plans to acquire an NFL team themselves and relocate it to Toronto in partnership with other CFL owners to ensure that it was done in a manner to protect the Canadian league.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/argonauts-owners-kick-nfl-franchise-into-play/article18146952/|title=Argonauts owners kick NFL franchise into play|date=2007-10-11|access-date=2014-06-02|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|last1=Brunt|first1=Stephen|last2=Naylor|first2=David}} Later that year Rogers Communication would lease the Bills from Ralph Wilson for the Toronto Series. Rogers wouldn't comment on whether the step was a prelude to moving the franchise permanently to Toronto, saying "We didn't say we weren't interested, and we didn't say that we were."{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bills/2008-02-06-toronto_N.htm|title= Bills owner won't commit to team's future in Buffalo|date=2008-02-06|access-date=2014-06-06|newspaper=USA Today}} Wilson would not commit to keeping the team in Buffalo, saying "I can't speculate what's going to happen in the future", and adding "But don't worry. Don't worry right now. Does that answer your questions?"

In 2008, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Toronto FC, considered bringing an NFL team to Toronto and building them a new stadium, but abandoned the idea when they concluded that the project would not generate sufficient financial return to justify the significant cost of the project.{{cite book|title=Dream Job|last=Peddie|first=Richard|year=2013|publisher=HarperCollins}} In March 2010 it was reported that a Toronto group was one of three parties attempting to buy the St. Louis Rams (the others being Shahid Khan and a Dave Checketts–Rush Limbaugh partnership),{{cite web|url=http://blogs.thescore.com/nfl/2010/03/29/toronto-mystery-bidder-shouldnt-give-up-on-rams/|title=Toronto mystery bidder shouldn't give up on Rams|last=Gagnon|first=Brad|date=2010-03-29|access-date=2013-09-18|publisher=The Score|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918071810/http://blogs.thescore.com/nfl/2010/03/29/toronto-mystery-bidder-shouldnt-give-up-on-rams/|archive-date=2013-09-18|url-status=dead}} though the team was ultimately sold to Stan Kroenke. In 2011, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford stated that he supported an NFL team in Toronto, but ruled out public financing for a new stadium.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mayor-wants-nfl-team-in-toronto-1.1029184 Mayor wants NFL team in Toronto] He and his brother Doug, a member of the Toronto City Council, planned on presenting a proposal to league owners regarding the relocation of either the Jaguars or the Saints to Toronto, with the intention of building a new stadium.Florio, Mike (2011-05-05). [http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/05/toronto-eyeballs-two-teams-for-possible-relocation/ Toronto eyeballs two teams for possible relocation]. profootballtalk.com. Retrieved 2011-05-05. In 2012 Goodell said, on expansion to LA, that the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" or "to go to 33".{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22475988/34676017|title=Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams|date=2012-02-03|access-date=2015-03-07|work=CBS Sports}}

In July 2013, Tim Leiweke, the new President of MLSE stated of the organization's involvement in bringing an NFL team to Toronto, "it is a safe bet to say we’ll have some role there, to be determined, but that's on our radar screen", and that "we'd go out of our way to make it work here."{{cite news|url=http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-MPZOF16TTDVH01-4JP1FK7VOBAE80ALNQDKIUG97F|title=Ex-Anschutz Boss Leiweke Maps Maple Leafs' Victory Parade Route|date=2013-07-16|access-date=2013-07-17|newspaper=Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721095100/http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-MPZOF16TTDVH01-4JP1FK7VOBAE80ALNQDKIUG97F|archive-date=2013-07-21|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-15/maple-leaf-s-leiweke-says-nfl-team-for-toronto-intriguing-idea.html|title=Maple Leaf's Leiweke Says NFL Team for Toronto 'Intriguing' Idea|date=2013-07-15|access-date=2013-07-17|last1=Lam|first1=Eric|last2=Miller|first2=Hugo|website=Bloomberg News|agency=Reuters}} NFL rules prohibit corporations, such as MLSE, from having an ownership stake in a team. Leiweke later stated that MLSE has "more expertise on how to build (stadiums) than anyone ... MLSE can play a role. We're not the lead here. Our job is to augment whatever group may come together."{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2013/11/24/jon_bon_jovi_mlse_give_toronto_inside_track_on_buffalo_bills_kelly.html|title=Jon Bon Jovi, MLSE give Toronto inside track on Buffalo Bills: Kelly|date=2013-11-24|access-date=2014-01-07|last=Kelly|first=Cathal|publisher=Toronto Star}} It has been reported that MLSE is interested in building and managing the proposed NFL stadium, which it has already begun to design.{{cite web|url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/25/wheels-quietly-in-motion-to-move-buffalo-bills-to-toronto/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140107205403/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/25/wheels-quietly-in-motion-to-move-buffalo-bills-to-toronto/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-01-07|title=Wheels (quietly) in motion to move Buffalo Bills to Toronto|date=2013-11-25|access-date=2014-01-07|last=Arthur|first=Bruce|publisher=National Post}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/livin-on-a-prayer-buying-bills-building-new-toronto-stadium-would-be-a-2-billion-play/article15581107/|title=Bon Jovi buying Bills, building new Toronto stadium would be a $2-billion play |date=2013-11-24|access-date=2014-02-02|work=The Globe and Mail|last=Shoalts|first=David}} The state of the Argonauts of the CFL has been linked to Toronto's ability to attract an NFL team. Former President of MLSE Richard Peddie has said "everything I'm hearing is that that the NFL is telling them that if you want an NFL team, you better make sure the Argos are okay."{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=442375|title=Argonauts could soon be sold to MLSE or Tanenbaum|date=2014-01-28|access-date=2014-02-02|publisher=The Sports Network}} Leiweke has said that "there's no way the NFL comes here without the CFL being unbelievably successful first".{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2014/01/28/leiweke_hints_mlse_may_buy_argonauts_with_eyes_on_future_nfl_team.html|title=Leiweke hints bringing Argos to BMO Field could have NFL implications |date=2014-01-28|access-date=2014-02-02|publisher=Toronto Star|first=Zoe|last=McKnight}} In 2015 two of the three ownership partners of MLSE (Bell Canada and Tanenbaum's Kilmer Group) acquired ownership of the Argos, and moved the team to the newly renovated BMO Field, which is operated by MLSE, for the 2016 season.{{cite news|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=May 20, 2015|title=Bell Canada and Kilmer Group to acquire Argonauts|url=http://argonauts.ca/article/bell-canada-and-kilmer-group-to-acquire-argonauts|publisher=Toronto Argonauts|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522130512/http://argonauts.ca/article/bell-canada-and-kilmer-group-to-acquire-argonauts|archive-date=May 22, 2015}} Leiweke predicted that this "will help turn [the Argos] around".{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2014/01/28/leiweke_hints_mlse_may_buy_argonauts_with_eyes_on_future_nfl_team.html|title=Leiweke hints bringing Argos to BMO Field could have NFL implications |date=January 28, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2014|work=Toronto Star|first=Zoe|last=McKnight}} As a result, it was expected enhanced Toronto's ability to attract an NFL franchise to the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/leiweke-outlines-mlse-plans-for-stadium-renovation/article16570810/|title=MLSE outlines plans for stadium renovation, with eye on NFL team |date=2014-01-29|access-date=2014-02-02|work=The Globe and Mail|last=Shoalts|first=David}} MLSE agreed to purchase the Argos in December 2017, and the sale received CFL approval in January 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.argonauts.ca/2017/12/13/maple-leafs-sports-entertainment-acquire-grey-cup-champion-toronto-argonauts/|title=MAPLE LEAFS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT TO ACQUIRE GREY CUP CHAMPION TORONTO ARGONAUTS|date=2017-12-13|access-date=2017-12-26|publisher=Toronto Argonauts}}

At the NFL's annual meeting in March 2015, Clark Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, said Toronto could "certainly support an NFL team", while Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, who sits on the NFL's finance committee, said "I know everybody is interested in" the market. However, several owners reiterated that the league was not planning on expanding in the near future.{{cite web|url=http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/03/25/why-torontos-nfl-dream-is-not-dead-nor-imminent|title=Why Toronto's NFL dream is not dead (nor imminent)|date=2015-03-25|access-date=2015-03-25}}

As early as 2006, it had been reported that Toronto interests, led by Godfrey and Tanenbaum, were considering purchasing the Bills if they went on the market. In 2013 it was reported that Edward Rogers III, son of Ted Rogers, and a consortium of Tanenbaum and musician Jon Bon Jovi, who previously owned the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul, were both considering bidding on the franchise in hopes of moving it to Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/10/bon-jovi-part-of-toronto-group-expected-to-bid-on-bills|title=Bon Jovi part of Toronto group expected to bid on Bills|date=2014-04-10|access-date=2014-04-10|newspaper=Toronto Sun|last=Kryk|first=John}}La Canfora, Jason (November 24, 2013). [http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24275196/jon-bon-jovi-interested-in-purchasing-the-buffalo-bills Jon Bon Jovi interested in purchasing the Buffalo Bills]. CBS Sports. Retrieved November 24, 2013. It was also reported that Rogers conducted a feasibility study in early 2013 on the construction of an NFL stadium in Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/bon-jovi-group-exploring-toronto-nfl-stadium-sites-report-1.2717279|title=Bon Jovi group exploring Toronto NFL stadium sites: report|date=2014-07-24|access-date=2014-07-24|publisher=CBC News}}

The Bills were frequently mentioned as a team that could move to Toronto due in part to Buffalo's proximity to the city. Niagara Falls, New York, located between the two cities, was also considered as a compromise location. The Bills play in one of the league's smallest markets,{{cite news |title= Jaguars Avoid NFL Blackout, Bills Face Third |author=Jason Notte|newspaper= TheStreet.com|date= December 10, 2010 |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/10944366/1/jaguars-avoid-nfl-blackout-bills-face-third.html |access-date=December 21, 2010}} and their games are often blacked out due to not being sold out,{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120914/CITYANDREGION/120919353/1109|title= Four Bills games at risk of blackouts |last=Warner|first=Gene|date=2012-09-15|newspaper=Buffalo News|access-date=2012-09-16}}{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/bills-game-will-be-only-second-nfl-blackout-this-year-20131216|title= Bills game will be only second NFL blackout this year|last=Warner|first=Gene|date=2013-12-16|access-date=2014-04-03|newspaper=The Buffalo News}} even with only 7 home games to sell during the Bills in Toronto series. The difficulties selling tickets, particularly late in the season when the weather is much poorer, was part of the reason why capacity of the team's home, Ralph Wilson Stadium, was decreased by 7,000 during its 1998 renovation.Warner, Gene (2011-11-29). [http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article652246.ece If game faces TV blackout, Bills won't bail it out]. The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2011-11-30. Western New York's economic difficulties have forced the Bills to keep their average ticket prices among the lowest in the NFL,Gaughan, Mark. [http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/954575.html Bills raising ticket prices]. The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2010-02-12.Ball, Jarrett (2010-05-13). [https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2010-05-11-ticket-prices-mainbar_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip Get ready to pay: 18 NFL teams raising ticket prices]. USA Today. Retrieved 2010-05-13. and the team did not opt into the loosening of blackout restrictions in 2012.Warner, Gene (July 13, 2012). [http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article946089.ece Bills won't accept eased blackout policy]. The Buffalo News. Retrieved July 13, 2012.

Ralph Wilson Stadium is 40 years old. The team's lease was renewed in March 2013 through the 2022 season in conjunction with an agreement for a $130 million upgrade to the stadium, of which $95 million came from the county and state.{{cite web|url=http://www2.erie.gov/exec/index.php?q=buffalo-bills-stadium-lease|title=Buffalo Bills Stadium Lease|access-date=2014-08-05|publisher=Erie County}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/03/nfl-gives-blessing-to-bills-lease-deal.html|title=NFL owners give blessing to Buffalo Bills lease deal|date=2013-03-18|access-date=2013-09-17|last=Gaughan|first=Mark|work=Buffalo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523190046/http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/03/nfl-gives-blessing-to-bills-lease-deal.html|archive-date=2013-05-23|url-status=dead}} The lease provides for a one-time $28.4 million option to buy out the final three years effective 30 July 2020.{{cite web|url=http://www2.erie.gov/exec/sites/www2.erie.gov.exec/files/uploads/Stadium%20Lease%20Agreement123.pdf|title=2013 Stadium Lease|access-date=2014-08-05|publisher=Erie County}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nascar/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21436805/bills-what-does-lease-agreement-mean-for-long-term-future|title=Bills: What does lease agreement mean for long-term future?|first=Mark|last=Ludwiczak |date=2012-12-21|access-date=2014-01-12|work=CBS Sports}} Outside of that window there is no opt-out, and a $400 million liquidated damages penalty is specified in case the team were able to break the lease in court.{{cite web|last=Kryk|first=John|date=March 26, 2014|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/26/bills-to-stay-in-buffalo-until-at-least-2020|title=Bills to stay in Buffalo until at least 2020|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=March 26, 2014}} The lease stipulates that the team will not "sell, assign or otherwise transfer the team to any person who, to the Bills' knowledge, has an intention to relocate, transfer or otherwise move the team during the Non-Relocation Term" without government consent.{{cite web|url=http://www2.erie.gov/exec/sites/www2.erie.gov.exec/files/uploads/Buffalo%20Bills%20Non-Relocation%20Agreement.pdf|title=NON-RELOCATION AGREEMENT|access-date=2014-08-05|publisher=Erie County}}{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/28/clause-forbids-bills-sale-to-anyone-intent-on-relocation|title=Clause forbids Bills' sale to anyone intent on relocation|date=2014-04-28|access-date=2014-04-28|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}} However, the lease allows for an annual regular season game and a biennial pre-season game to be played in Toronto. The stadium is unlikely to be satisfactory for the Bills beyond the current lease term, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell describing the renovations as a "short-term solution".{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24553903/roger-goodell-bills-need-new-stadium-to-stay-viable-in-buffalo|title=Roger Goodell: Bills need new stadium to stay viable in Buffalo|date=2014-05-07|access-date=2014-05-10|first=John|last=Breech|work=CBS Sports}} A committee was formed by the Bills and various levels of government to study the possibility of a "substantial renovation" of the existing stadium or the construction of a replacement,{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/NFL/2014/03/27/21561981.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140331220548/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/NFL/2014/03/27/21561981.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 31, 2014|title=Buffalo Bills, New York exploring new stadium|date=2014-03-27|access-date=2014-03-30|newspaper=Toronto Sun}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2014/03/27/bills_launch_buffaloarea_stadium_search.html|title=Bills launch Buffalo-area stadium search|date=2014-03-27|access-date=2014-03-30|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=John|last=Wawrow}} though there are doubts that the Buffalo region can afford the more than $800 million cost of a new stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/can-buffalo-afford-a-new-stadium-for-bills-20140215|title= Can Buffalo afford a new stadium for Bills? |last=Warner|first=Gene|date=2014-02-15|access-date=2014-03-08|newspaper=Buffalo News}}

Following owner Ralph Wilson's death on March 25, 2014 the club was put into a trust{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Mary-Wilson-becomes-controlling-owner-of-the-Buffalo-Bills/7627d029-46a4-416e-af98-b83b955dfec1|title=Mary Wilson becomes controlling owner of the Buffalo Bills|date=2014-04-03|access-date=2014-04-03|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404222105/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Mary-Wilson-becomes-controlling-owner-of-the-Buffalo-Bills/7627d029-46a4-416e-af98-b83b955dfec1|archive-date=2014-04-04|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/04/03/mean-mary-wilson-control-buffalo-bills/|title=What does it mean that Mary Wilson is in control of the Buffalo Bills?|first=Tim|last=Graham|date=2014-04-03|access-date=2014-04-03|newspaper=Buffalo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074015/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/04/03/mean-mary-wilson-control-buffalo-bills/|archive-date=2014-04-07|url-status=dead}} and confirmed that it would be sold. Wilson had never expressed any desire for his family to inherit the team,{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/ralph-wilson-made-sure-bills-will-stay-in-buffalo-for-as-least-six-years/article17686988/|title=Ralph Wilson made sure Bills will stay in Buffalo for at least six years|date=2014-03-26|access-date=2014-03-30|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|first=John|last=Wawrow|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140330070947/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/ralph-wilson-made-sure-bills-will-stay-in-buffalo-for-as-least-six-years/article17686988/|archive-date=2014-03-30|url-status=dead}} and it was widely presumed that his heirs would sell the team to the highest bidder to pay the significant inheritance tax.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/with-passing-of-wilson-bills-future-in-question/|title=Wilson's passing leaves Bills' future in question|last=Grange|first=Michael|date=2014-03-26|access-date=2014-03-30|publisher=Sportsnet}}{{cite news|title= 25-Year-Old Investment Banker Devises Unusual Plan To Save The Buffalo Bills|author= Dashiell Bennett|url= http://www.businessinsider.com/25-year-old-investment-banker-devises-unusual-plan-to-save-the-buffalo-bills-2010-12|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101203003406/http://www.businessinsider.com/25-year-old-investment-banker-devises-unusual-plan-to-save-the-buffalo-bills-2010-12|url-status= live|archive-date= December 3, 2010|newspaper= Business Insider|date= December 1, 2010|access-date= December 21, 2010}} The franchise was thought to be worth more in a large market than in Buffalo,{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2014/08/02/qa_sports_economics_expert_analyzes_torontobased_bid_for_bills.html|title=Q&A: Sports economics expert analyzes Toronto-based bid for Bills|date=2014-08-02|access-date=2014-08-04|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Rubin|first=Josh}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2014/07/15/wall-street-says-manchester-united-most-valuable-team-in-world-after-adidas-deal/|title=Value Of Buffalo Bills Depends On Team's Location In 2020|date=2014-07-16|access-date=2014-07-21|last=Ozanian|first=Mike|website=Forbes}}{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/donn-esmonde/bills-at-risk-of-being-moved-to-larger-market-20140329|title=Bills at risk of being moved to larger market|date=2014-03-29|access-date=2014-03-30|newspaper=Buffalo News|last=Esmonde|first=Donn}} with one expert putting its value in Buffalo at $950 million-$1 billion versus $1.5 billion in Toronto.

In July 2014 it was reported that Bon Jovi, Tanenbaum and the Rogers family had joined forces as equal partners to bid on the Bills, with Bon Jovi the proposed controlling owner.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/18/rogers-joins-bon-jovi-and-tanenbaum-in-equal-stakes-bid-to-buy-bills|title=Rogers joins Bon Jovi and Tanenbaum in equal-stakes bid to buy Bills|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=2014-07-18|access-date=2014-07-19}} Though Tanenbaum and Rogers have significant wealth, it was suggested that the Toronto group's bid was limited by Bon Jovi's resources and his desire to be the controlling partner; NFL regulations require the controlling partner to have a 30% equity stake.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/05/toronto-group-bidding-on-bills-allowed-to-submit-higher-first-bid|title=Toronto group bidding on Bills allowed to submit higher first bid|date=2014-08-05|access-date=2014-08-05|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} Following protests by Buffalo area fans against the Toronto group, including radio stations banning Bon Jovi's music,{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/30/exclusive-rogers-wont-lead-second-toronto-group-bidding-for-bills|title=Exclusive: Rogers won't lead second Toronto group bidding for Bills|date=2014-06-30|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} Bon Jovi wrote a public letter to Bills fans saying that the group's objective was to "make the Bills successful in Buffalo" and committing to work with the government "to identify the best possible site in the Buffalo area for a new stadium".{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bon-jovis-letter-to-buffalo-why-were-bidding-on-the-buffalo-bills-20140803|title=Bon Jovi's letter to Buffalo: "Why We're Bidding on the Buffalo Bills"|date=2014-08-03|access-date=2014-08-03|work=Buffalo News}} However, it noticeably did not explicitly promise to keep the team in Buffalo.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/03/bon-jovi-committed-to-keeping-bills-in-buffalo|title=Toronto group bidding on Bills rate chances as 'slim'|date=2014-08-04|access-date=2014-08-04|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} The group planned to meet with developers in the Buffalo region to discuss the construction of a new stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/07/29/former-sabres-owner-golisano-didnt-submit-bid-to-buy-bills|title=Former Sabres owner Golisano didn't submit bid to buy Bills|date=2014-07-29|access-date=2014-07-30|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} There was widespread skepticism about the group's intentions to keep the team in Buffalo,{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/25/five-vital-questions-on-where-the-bills-sale-stands|title=Five vital questions on where the Bills sale stands|date=2014-07-25|access-date=2014-07-30|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} with New York Senator Chuck Schumer stating that the lack of a commitment to do so reinforced his belief that they might move the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/politics/schumers-relentless-lobbying-helped-keep-the-bills-in-buffalo-20141018|title=Schumer's relentless lobbying helped keep the Bills in Buffalo|first=Jerry|last=Zremski|date=2014-10-18|access-date=2015-03-12|newspaper=Buffalo News}} A sports franchise relocation expert quoted as saying that if they did intend to move the club, "I would suggest never saying that publicly" due to the legal implications of selling the team to a group planning on relocating it.{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/19/toronto-bid-group-wants-to-keep-bills-in-buffalo-sources|title=Toronto bid group wants to keep Bills in Buffalo: sources|date=2014-07-19|access-date=2014-07-20|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} The group met with former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, who had long advocated for the team remaining in Buffalo, about joining their ownership group in a move seen as an attempt to boost their public support,{{cite web|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/16/jim-kelly-jon-bon-jovi-discussed-joining-forces-buy-bills/|title=Jim Kelly, Jon Bon Jovi have discussed joining forces to buy the Bills|first=Tim|last=Graham|date=2014-08-16|access-date=2014-08-23|newspaper=Buffalo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821152815/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/16/jim-kelly-jon-bon-jovi-discussed-joining-forces-buy-bills/|archive-date=2014-08-21|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/18/bon-jovi-reached-out-to-jim-kelly-at-the-suggestion-of-investment-bank-conducting-sale-of-bills-source-says|title=Bon Jovi reached out to Jim Kelly at the suggestion of investment bank conducting sale of Bills, source says|date=2014-08-18|access-date=2014-08-23|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} but Kelly declined due to concerns about their commitment to Buffalo.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/jim-kelly-wont-partner-with-bon-jovi-in-bills-bid-20140817|title=Jim Kelly won't partner with Bon Jovi in Bills' bid|date=2014-08-17|access-date=2014-08-23|newspaper=Buffalo News}}

The Toronto group was one of three that was reported to have submitted a final bid for the franchise.{{cite web|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/16/jim-kelly-jon-bon-jovi-discussed-joining-forces-buy-bills/|title=Toronto group advances to final phase of Bills sale|date=2014-08-11|access-date=2014-08-23|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821152815/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/16/jim-kelly-jon-bon-jovi-discussed-joining-forces-buy-bills/|archive-date=2014-08-21|url-status=dead}} Other Canadians who explored purchasing the team include John Bitove, who co-founded the Toronto Raptors, and the family of Francesco Aquilini, who owns the Vancouver Canucks, though it is unknown if they intended to move the team.{{cite web|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/08/nhl-owner-nba-founder-among-signed-bills-nondisclosure-agreement-hyatt-hotel-heirs-sniffing-around/|title=NHL owner, NBA team founder among those who signed Bills nondisclosure agreement; Hyatt hotel heirs have been sniffing around|date=2014-08-08|access-date=2014-08-09|newspaper=Buffalo News|first=Tim|last=Graham|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811042456/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/08/nhl-owner-nba-founder-among-signed-bills-nondisclosure-agreement-hyatt-hotel-heirs-sniffing-around/|archive-date=2014-08-11|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Canucks+owner+Aquilini+will+pursue+Bills/10102907/story.html|title=Canucks owner Aquilini will not pursue bid for NFL's Bills|date=2014-08-08|access-date=2014-08-09|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815211813/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Canucks+owner+Aquilini+will+pursue+Bills/10102907/story.html|archive-date=2014-08-15|url-status=dead}} It was reported that the trust was desirous of a quick and clean sale, which was no guarantee with the Toronto group due to the possibility under the non-relocation agreement of a lawsuit from the county or state blocking the sale if they suspected the team would be moved, as well as potential difficulty in securing approval from the NFL due to the likelihood of negative fan reaction for several years until the franchise transfer could take place.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/nfl/two-selection-criteria-beyond-money-including-certainty-of-nfl-approval-mean-highest-bidder-wont-necessarily-get-bills/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140913064558/http://blogs.canoe.ca/krykslants/nfl/two-selection-criteria-beyond-money-including-certainty-of-nfl-approval-mean-highest-bidder-wont-necessarily-get-bills/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2014-09-13|title=Two selection criteria beyond money, including certainty of NFL approval, mean highest bidder won't necessarily get Bills|date=2014-09-08|access-date=2014-09-13|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}}{{cite web|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/09/09/the-great-toronto-threat-to-buy-bills-is-dead|title=The Great Toronto Threat to buy the Bills is dead|date=2014-09-09|access-date=2014-09-12|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}} Despite requests from the bank conducting the sale for a clear statement from the Toronto group that they would not move the team, only vague promises to work with local government to build a new stadium in Buffalo were provided.{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2014/09/13/heres-proof-bon-jovi-and-toronto-partners-never-promised-to-keep-bills-in-buffalo|title=Here's proof Bon Jovi and Toronto partners never promised to keep Bills in Buffalo|date=2014-09-13|access-date=2014-09-13|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}} Goodell and several NFL owners expressed their desire for the team to remain in Buffalo,Graham, Tim (May 20, 2014). [https://archive.today/20140521014210/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/05/20/nfl-owners-say-votes-arent-there-for-moving-the-bills/ NFL owners say votes aren't there for moving the Bills]. The Buffalo News. Retrieved May 20, 2014. though Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, endorsed Bon Jovi as an owner, saying that "there hasn't been anybody more qualified to be involved in sports ownership".{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10964356/buffalo-bills-hire-firms-facilitate-sale-franchise|title=Bills hire firms to facilitate sale|date=2014-05-21|access-date=2015-03-13|first=Mike|last=Rodak|publisher=ESPN}}

On 9 September 2014 it was announced that the franchise had been sold to Kim and Terrence Pegula, who committed to keeping them in Buffalo, for the reported price of $1.4 billion.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Wilson-trust-reaches-definitive-agreement-with-Pegula-family/b00d5820-fe52-4255-a2f5-50943235f6e9|title=Wilson trust reaches definitive agreement with Pegula family|date=2014-09-09|access-date=2014-09-12|publisher=Buffalo Bills|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910004838/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Wilson-trust-reaches-definitive-agreement-with-Pegula-family/b00d5820-fe52-4255-a2f5-50943235f6e9|archive-date=2014-09-10|url-status=dead}} The Toronto group's bid of $1.05 billion was the second highest reported.{{cite news|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/pegulas-submit-aggressive-14-billion-bid-to-acquire-bills-franchise-20140909|title=Pegulas submit aggressive $1.4 billion bid to acquire Bills franchise|date=2014-09-09|access-date=2014-09-12|newspaper=Buffalo News|last1=Zremski|first1=Jerry|last2=Graham|first2=Tim|last3=Precious|first3=Tom}}

Several years later, it became known that some of the opposition to the Bon Jovi-Rogers-Tanenbaum bid was the result of an astroturfing smear campaign created by rival bidder and 45th U.S. President Donald Trump hoping to drum up support for his own stalking-horse bid. Trump turned the campaign over to a political operative, Michael Caputo, after placing his bid, since a non-disclosure agreement he signed would have prohibited him from staying involved in that campaign. The organization Trump and Caputo backed remains in existence, now operating as a charity.Schreckinger, Ben (October 26, 2017). [https://www.gq.com/story/donald-trump-shady-scheme-to-buy-nfl-buffalo-bills Inside Donald Trump's Shady Scheme to Keep Jon Bon Jovi from Buying the Buffalo Bills]. GQ. Retrieved November 29, 2017.

In December 2024, Pegula sold a minority stake in the Bills franchise to a number of partners, including retired professional athletes Jozy Altidore, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady who played for Toronto based teams.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Brayton |date=2024-12-11 |title=NFL approves new minority ownership group for Bills |url=https://www.audacy.com/wben/news/bills/nfl-approves-new-minority-ownership-group-for-bills |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=WBEN |language=en}} Pegula explained the sale by stating that "the three pro athletes are all icons in Toronto. That’s our market. We’re going to grow into that market.{{citeweb|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/article/vince-carter-tracy-mcgrady-among-10-limited-partners-joining-bills-ownership/|title=Bills owner Pegula on Toronto after Carter, McGrady investments: 'That's our market'|date=2024-12-11|accessdate=2024-12-22|publisher=Sportsnet}}

In late 2015, the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders submitted applications to relocate to Los Angeles, though it was unlikely that the league would approve all three teams moving to the city. It was reported that the Rams would have considered moving to Toronto if their Los Angeles proposal had been rejected.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Football/NFL/2015/10/07/22560080.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120120240/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Football/NFL/2015/10/07/22560080.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 20, 2015|title=Toronto or London would be Rams fallback -- report|first=John|last=Kryk|date=2015-10-07|access-date=2015-10-08|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} The Chargers and Raiders put forward a joint proposal to build a new stadium,{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-stadium-20150220-story.html|title=Chargers, Raiders will jointly pursue an NFL stadium in Carson|date=2015-02-20|access-date=2015-10-08|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Sam|last=Farmer}} but the league chose the rival bid from the Rams. The Chargers were given a one-year option to join the Rams in the new SoFi Stadium, and if they chose not to exercise this right the Raiders would be given the same option.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-to-relocate-to-l-a-chargers-first-option-to-join-0ap3000000621645|title=Rams to relocate to L.A.; Chargers first option to join|date=2016-01-12|access-date=2016-01-16|publisher=National Football League}} Both teams weighed their relocation options, with Toronto one of the cities suggested as a possibility.{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nfl-la-stadium-20160108-story.html|title=NFL wants a team or two in L.A., and owners head to Houston for a vote|date=2016-01-07|access-date=2016-01-16|newspaper=LA Times|first1=Sam|last1=Farmer|first2=Nathan|last2=Fenno}} The return of the NFL to LA made Toronto the largest market in the United States or Canada without an NFL team. In January 2017, the Chargers announced that they had exercised their option to leave San Diego and move to Los Angeles with the Rams.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-announce-decision-to-relocate-to-los-angeles-0ap3000000773179|title=Chargers announce decision to move to L.A.|date=2017-01-12|access-date=2017-01-30|publisher=NFL}} Raiders management met with officials in San Antonio, which has an NFL-caliber stadium in the Alamodome, about possibly moving the team there.[http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-look-at-potential-home-deep-in-heart-of-5655367.php Raiders look at potential home deep in heart of Texas] San Francisco Chronicle (07/29/2014) In March 2017, the Raiders' request to relocate to Las Vegas was approved by the league, and the team moved there before the 2020 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-raiders-move-to-las-vegas-0ap3000000795413|title=NFL owners approve Raiders' move to Las Vegas|date=2017-03-27|access-date=2017-03-27|publisher=National Football League|first=Gregg|last=Rosenthal}}

In February 2025 Carolyn Parrish, the Mayor of Mississauga (which borders Toronto), stated that she has been approached by Tanenbaum and Godfrey about potentially constructing a new stadium in the city to host a Toronto based NFL team, and that she was "trying to find land".{{citeweb|url=https://www.insauga.com/will-mississauga-get-an-nfl-team/|title=Will Mississauga get an NFL team?|date=2025-02-07|accessdate=2025-02-17|publisher=INsauga|first=Declan|last=Finucane}}

The most likely opportunity for Toronto to get an NFL team in the near future would be through relocation. The support of 24 of 32 NFL teams is required for the approval of the sale and relocation of a team. Likewise, any relocation would have to be approved by the same amount, though Al Davis moved the Oakland Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982 against the league's wishes. A relocation fee, which was reportedly $645 million for the Rams and Chargers to move back to LA and $378 million for the Raiders relocation to Las Vegas,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19975109/relocation-cost-los-angeles-rams-los-angeles-chargers-645m|title=Relocation fees to cost Rams, Chargers $645M, Raiders $378M|date=2017-07-14|access-date=2017-07-14|publisher=ESPN|first=Darren|last=Rovell}} could be charged by the NFL,{{cite news|title='Niagara Bills' group would be 'hard to beat'|date=2014-06-02|newspaper=Toronto Sun|first=John|last=Kryk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/shoalts-torontos-quest-for-nfl-team-strewn-with-obstacles/article17687432/|title=Toronto's quest for NFL team strewn with obstacles |first=David|last=Shoalts|date=2014-03-26|access-date=2014-03-30|newspaper=The Globe and Mail}} though this could be offset by an increase in franchise value in a larger market like Toronto.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/what8217s-next-for-the-bills-for-now-the-team-will-be-controlled-by-a-trust-20140325|title=What's next for the Bills? For now, the team will be controlled by a trust|date=2014-03-25|access-date=2014-03-29|newspaper=The Buffalo News|first=Mark|last=Gaughan}}

Teams that have been speculated as potential relocation candidates are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pete-prisco/22357404/why-not-london-bucs|title=Why not London Bucs? Don't assume Jaguars are moving|first=Pete|last=Prisco|date=2013-06-05|access-date=2015-03-07|work=CBS Sports}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-franchises-most-likely-relocated-024600081--nfl.html|title=NFL Franchises Most Likely to Be Relocated|date=2012-09-09|access-date=2014-04-06|publisher=Yahoo!|last=Briscoe|first=Jeff|archive-date=April 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408231119/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-franchises-most-likely-relocated-024600081--nfl.html|url-status=dead}} whose lease runs until 2028,{{cite web|url=http://www.law.fsu.edu/library/flsupct/90223/90223amicus.pdf|title=BRIEF OF AMICUS CURIAE BUCCANEERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP IN SUPPORT OF APPELLEES/CROSS-APPELLANTS|publisher=Supreme Court of Florida|date=1997-04-28|access-date=2014-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060905103233/http://www.law.fsu.edu/library/flsupct/90223/90223amicus.pdf|archive-date=2006-09-05|url-status=dead}} the Carolina Panthers, whose commitment to remain in Charlotte expired in 2018{{cite web|url=https://charlotte.axios.com/156014/carolina-panthers-stadium-practice-facility-and-team-offices/|title=The 6-year tether is up: What's at stake now for Charlotte and the Carolina Panthers|date=2019-02-03|accessdate=2021-12-27|first=Andrew|last=Dunn|publisher=Axios}}{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/07/23/5061804/more-public-cash-for-panthers.html#.VO4f_nXN_Qo|title=Carolina Panthers rule out more public cash for stadium|first=Ely|last=Portillo|newspaper=Charlotte Observer|date=2014-07-23|access-date=2015-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122021556/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/07/23/5061804/more-public-cash-for-panthers.html#.VO4f_nXN_Qo|archive-date=2014-11-22|url-status=dead}} with an estimated less than $40 million in exit fees{{cite web|url=http://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2017/12/18/moving-panthers-from-charlotte-would-be-costly-for-next-owner/|title=Moving Panthers from Charlotte would be costly for next owner|date=2017-12-18|access-date=2017-12-26|publisher=USA Today|first=Tim|last=Weaver}} and whose new owner David Tepper has been lukewarm in his support for keeping the team in the Carolinas,{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24049997/sale-panthers-david-tepper-finalized|title=Sale of Panthers to David Tepper finalized|last=Newton|first=David|date=9 July 2018|work=ESPN.com|access-date=10 July 2018}} the Cincinnati Bengals, whose lease expires in 2026,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2019/10/01/bengals-cincinnati-politician-tweets-future-without-nfl-team/3832104002/|title=Breaking point? Cincinnati politician says to Bengals, 'Seriously, just go.'|date=2019-10-01|access-date=2020-01-01|publisher=USA Today}} and the Kansas City Chiefs, whose lease expires in 2031 and for which a ballot measure on funding for stadium upgrades was rejected by voters.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chiefs-royals-to-expore-options-after-blowout-loss-on-sales-tax-vote-in-kansas-city/|title=Chiefs, Royals to explore options after blowout loss on sales tax vote in Kansas City|first=John|last=Breech|date=2024-04-03|accessdate=2024-04-03|work=CBS Sports}}

Bringing an NFL team to Toronto would be exorbitantly expensive, with teams worth around $1 billion United States dollars in 2006 and rising rapidly since then. The variable exchange rate of the US dollar with the Canadian dollar could make the purchase price larger for a Canadian group. Additionally, an NFL team in Toronto would have to pay its players in US dollars while collecting a significant fraction of its revenues in Canadian dollars, the same anomaly that other Canadian teams face. The Montreal Expos, Vancouver Grizzlies, original Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques all left the country between 1995 and 2004 when the value of the Canadian dollar was low. Finally, the NFL has various restrictions on ownership, such as prohibiting corporate ownership and requiring a controlling owner with at least a 30% stake in the team, limiting the pool of potential ownership groups.

Another major issue is the stadium. Although Godfrey believed that Rogers Centre could host an NFL franchise, that stadium is unlikely to be viable long-term. Rogers Centre only has a capacity of 54,088 when configured for CFL games, which is larger than the NFL's 50,000-seat minimum, but would be the smallest capacity regular-season stadium in the league, the current smallest being Chicago's Soldier Field with 61,500 seats. While extra seats could be added due to the shorter NFL field (an NFL exhibition at the SkyDome in 1995 was attended by almost 55,800 fans) and the high walls at the ends of each end zone in CFL configuration, a large-scale renovation would be required to lower the playing surface. As a result, a new stadium, which would cost roughly $1 billion, would likely need to be built. Texans owner Bob McNair has said the city "wouldn't have to go out and build a stadium, and then try to get a team. But you'd have to be assured that the opportunity exists" for a new stadium to be constructed for a franchise to be approved for the city. Former mayors David Miller and Rob Ford both stated that funding for a new stadium would not come from the City of Toronto. It has been suggested that personal seat licenses could be sold to fund a new stadium.{{cite news|title=NFL in Toronto may be halfway there; With MLSE heft and star power, Bills are a target|date=2013-11-26|newspaper=National Post|last=Arthur|first=Bruce}}{{cite news|title=Landing white whale could cost $1-billion|date=2013-11-26|newspaper=National Post}}{{cite news|title=Cutting to the chase; If Toronto wants its own NFL team, there better be a stadium plan in place. Rogers Centre might not do|date=2008-06-19|newspaper=National Post|last=Fitz-Gerald|first=Sean}}{{cite news|title=Godfrey's NFL dream still alive|date=2002-11-23|newspaper=Toronto Star|last=Woolsey|first=Garth}} Godfrey said in 2006 that "if you had a 60,000-seat stadium and sold (personal seat licenses) for an average of $10,000, you'd raise $600 million ... you can build a hell of a stadium for that kind of money."{{cite news|title=NFL great, but public funds out of bounds; Governments cool to idea of tax aid Impact on CFL's health also a worry|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=2006-09-07|last=Gonda|first=Gabe}}

A team based in Toronto could face resistance from the Bills, since a significant portion of their fans come from southern Ontario. Toronto falls within the NFL's definition of the Bills' home territory (75 miles).{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/html/careers/pdf/co_.pdf|title=Constitution and Bylaws of the National Football League|date=2006|publisher=National Football League|archive-date=2018-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113100214/http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/html/careers/pdf/co_.pdf}} In 1991 Wilson said "a Toronto club wouldn't hurt us." He went on to say "as far as I know, Toronto isn't in Buffalo's territory" and that "I wouldn't veto expansion to Toronto, anyway, even if I could."{{cite news|title=NFL in T.O. okay by us, Bills insist|date=1991-01-25|first=Jim|last=Proudfoot|newspaper=Toronto Star}} However, in 1995 Wilson was quoted as saying "Some day, I'm sure Toronto will have a team. It would be a great franchise up here ... but Toronto is Bills territory." When asked whether he expected financial compensation if an NFL team was established in Toronto, he replied "yes I do. A team in Toronto would definitely have an effect on our team".{{cite news|title=Bills expect compensation if NFL comes to Toronto|date=1995-08-11|first=Damien|last=Cox|newspaper=Toronto Star}} However, according to Godfrey, then-NFL commissioner Tagliabue's position was that "there are no such things as territorial rights in the NFL." When the NFL was reviewing Pegula's proposed purchase of the Bills in 2014, the NFL asked him what his view would be on an NFL team in Toronto. In late 2014 he said that he told the league Toronto is "a big enough market" for an NFL franchise and he "would support it if Toronto had a franchise."{{cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/03/24/bills-owner-terry-pegula-not-opposed-to-franchise-in-toronto|title=Bills owner Terry Pegula not opposed to franchise in Toronto|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=2015-03-24|access-date=2015-03-25}}{{cite web|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/football/nfl/kryk-would-nfl-ever-help-build-and-fund-a-stadium-in-toronto|title=KRYK: Would NFL ever help build a stadium in Toronto?|first=John|last=Kryk|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=2022-11-10|accessdate=2023-02-04}}

Any NFL team that entered the Toronto market would have to deal with the Canadian Football League (CFL)'s Toronto Argonauts, as well as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who play in nearby Hamilton, Ontario, both of which—as well as the CFL—have objected to an NFL team in Canada. The Tiger-Cats supported the Bills Toronto Series on the premise that it would keep other suitors for the Toronto market at bay.Fitz-Gerald, Sean (June 16, 2008). [https://nationalpost.com/news/Michael+memory/592137/story.html In Michael's memory]. National Post. Retrieved May 3, 2015. The NFL has been reluctant to hurt the CFL. Godfrey claimed that "the city is big enough ... they both could co-exist in the city."{{cite news|title=NFL in Toronto? Please spare us that tired pipe dream|date=2006-12-05|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press}} The World Football League (WFL) intended to place a franchise in Toronto known as the Toronto Northmen, but after the Canadian Parliament began debating the Canadian Football Act, which would have banned foreign football leagues from playing in Canada in an attempt to protect the CFL, the WFL moved the team to Memphis, Tennessee. Similar bills have been introduced to Parliament since the Bills Toronto Series was announced.{{cite web|url=http://peterjulian.ndp.ca/post/news-new-democrat-bill-would-support-canadian-football|title=NEWS ~ NEW DEMOCRAT BILL WOULD SUPPORT CANADIAN FOOTBALL|date=2009-06-17|access-date=2013-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203181159/http://peterjulian.ndp.ca/post/news-new-democrat-bill-would-support-canadian-football|archive-date=2014-02-03|url-status=dead}} It has been suggested that one of the reasons the NFL would not want to put a franchise in Canada and risk putting the CFL out of business is that the CFL offers antitrust protection as a competing league. However, Commissioner Rozelle said in 1987 that "I can't see where a league operating in Canada could possibly help us in any anti-trust trials."

Since much of the NFL's revenue comes from television rights fees, there could be resistance from the networks to moving a team from the US to Canada, where the hometown fans would not increase US television viewership. When Bassett was considering bringing a team to the city in the 1970s he suggested a solution to this problem: "I say to the NFL teams, don't cut me in on your American TV revenues. Keep your millions to yourself. I say to them, just give me the TV rights for Canada." A report prepared for the Godfrey-O'Keefe group attempting to bring an NFL team to Toronto said that the then chief counsel of the NFL, and future NFL Commissioner, Tagliabue had suggested that "any of the communities within the U.S. where the NFL might respond, will not significantly increase TV viewership" but that "a Canadian team would offer significant over-the-air and cable opportunities for new viewers, this would be particularly attractive to the NFL." In 1987, Rozelle was asked "Do you think you'd be jeopardizing the value of your network TV package, by having one or more Canadian teams?" to which he responded "I wouldn't think so."{{cite news|title=NFL not interested in Canada Only 2 more franchises will ever be awarded, Rozelle says|date=1987-12-26|first=John|last=Robertson|newspaper=Toronto Star}}

The failure of the Bills Toronto Series and the Bon Jovi-MLSE bid for the Buffalo Bills has also been speculated as potentially casting a negative light on Toronto as a future home to an NFL franchise.Buchholz, Andrew (December 3, 2014). [https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/cfl-55-yard-line/bills--termination-of-toronto-series-carries-some-benefits-for-the-argonauts-and-the-cfl-214302161.html Bills' termination of Toronto series carries some benefits for the Argonauts and the CFL]. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 3, 2014. "What's potentially even more important here is that the way this series petered out likely puts the kibosh on Toronto as an NFL destination for at least the next little while. The Bills-in-Toronto series proved that the city wasn't just going to flock to anything NFL and spend unlimited money on it, and it ending this way means Toronto likely drops even further as a potential NFL expansion destination (regardless of what pieces based on Internet search trends may say)." Counter to this claim is the consideration that a Toronto-based NFL team would logically garner much more support, as while the Buffalo Bills are popular with a plurality of Torontonian football fans, the majority of the city's football fans do not cheer for the Bills.{{Cite web |title=4 reasons the Buffalo Bills sacked Toronto series |url=https://torontosun.com/2014/12/03/buffalo-bills-sack-toronto-series |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=torontosun |language=en-CA}} Additionally, the Argonauts lag behind the rest of the CFL teams in attendance, which has cast doubt on the popularity of the sport itself within Toronto. This has been disputed however,{{Cite web |date=2021-11-25 |title=Why Doesn't Toronto Treat the Argos Well? |url=https://13thmansports.ca/2021/11/25/why-doesnt-toronto-treat-the-argos-well/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=13th Man Sports |language=en-US}} as low Toronto football attendance can possibly be paradoxically explained by the dominance of the NFL in the region, as only approximately one fifth of self-described Ontarian football fans exclusively watch the CFL, while as much as half exclusively watch the NFL.{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Scott |title=The NFL is encroaching on the CFL's turf |url=https://www.mintel.com/blog/canada/the-nfl-is-encroaching-on-the-cfls-turf |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Mintel |language=en-US}}

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