The state of Iowa lacks a National Football League (NFL) franchise. This means there is no team based within the state that participates in the professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Neighboring states such as Minnesota (Vikings), Missouri (Chiefs), and Illinois (Bears) all host NFL teams, representing their respective regions.
The absence of an NFL team in Iowa has various implications for the state and its residents. Economically, the state misses out on the potential revenue generated by hosting games, related tourism, and associated commercial activities. From a cultural perspective, Iowans often support teams from nearby states or develop allegiances to teams based on individual preferences, leading to a diverse fan base without a unified, local focus.