THE NFL Europe League has suspended operations of the Barcelona Dragons, NFL Europe Managing Director JIM CONNELLY announced today.

The team has experienced declining attendance in each of the past five seasons, including a five-game average of 6,868 in 2003, the lowest in the league. Attendance has fallen almost 50 per cent since the Dragons’ World
Bowl-winning season in 1997.

‘This was absolutely the last resort, but we felt it could no longer be avoided,’ said Connelly.

‘We believe that looking at an alternate city gives us the best opportunity of improving our business. Despite several marketing innovations, such as the Dragons’ joint-venture with FC Barcelona, we have still not been able to attract fans in the numbers necessary for the franchise to continue.

‘We want to thank the many players, coaches and front office staff who have worked so hard to bring success to the Dragons. We also thank the loyal fans who have continued to back their team and for whom this decision will be very disappointing.’

Connelly said that details of a new franchise would be announced in the near future.

The Dragons qualified for the inaugural World Bowl in 1991 and played in three more championship games, beating the Rhein Fire in Barcelona to win World Bowl ’97 and losing in 1999 and 2001.

Connelly outlined plans for the NFL to remain active in Spain and the Catalunya region. ‘We will work with broadcasters on improving our NFL business in the region and will continue to develop our grass roots programs,’ he said.

For further information please contact:

David Tossell
Director of Public Relations
NFL Europe
+44-207-225-3070