The Claymores were shutdown after several seasons of declining crowds, and the desire to add a further team to the league roster.
Said NFL Europe managing director Jim Connelly: “This is the toughest decision this league has ever had to make.
“The Claymores have achieved considerable success over the past decade and for any sports team to average close to 11,000 fans per game in this market is commendable.
“But the economics of our league and the interest shown by other cities have forced us to look at whether there are other markets that give us a greater opportunity of improving our business. We believe at this time that such an opportunity exists.”
The Claymores have been part of the NFL Europe League since 1995, posting an average attendance of 10,799 during their 10 seasons. They achieved a franchise-record average attendance of 13,904 in 2001, but have seen crowds fall for the past three seasons.
The NFLEL will announce details of a new franchise in the near future.
The NFL will retain a football development team in Scotland to continue the grassroots programmes that the Claymores have successfully introduced in local schools and will continue to identify and develop young Scottish talent as part of NFL Europe’s National Player Development Programme.
The London Monarchs – the only other NFL Europe team – shut down operations in 1998.
The NFL Europe has discontinued operations of the Scottish Claymores, leaving the UK market without a team.
