Despite reports and concerns over low ratings for London games during the early time slot on Sundays, the NFL is forging ahead with its international series, tacking on an additional game for 2017.

The league announced Friday it would play four games in London next season, an increase from three games played across the pond each season since 2014.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell cited the "passion and love" and "tremendous support" from European fans.

"We continue to be incredibly excited by the passion and love for the NFL shown by our millions of UK fans," Goodell said. "London is an amazing city. We have had tremendous support from our fans, from Mayor Khan and other government leaders and business partners, and we are looking forward to taking the next step in the UK by playing four games in London next season."

The four games will make 21 in London since the international series began playing there in 2007.

As the NFL often does, it's turning the team and schedule announcement into a spectacle. On Dec. 13 -- at 1 p.m. UK time no less -- the league will use Facebook Live to announce the teams and dates for the four overseas games next season.

We already know a few of the teams involved. The Saints and Dolphins are already locked into playing a game in London in 2017. This will be the fourth trip to London for the Dolphins and the second trip for the Saints, who haven't been overseas since 2008.

The Jacksonville Jaguars also are locked into playing at least one game in London through 2020.

The NFL also pointed out a key aspect of these games: the American ratings might not be huge, but the "accelerated growth in the UK" is noticeable. Since 2007 viewership for NFL on games on Sunday "has more than doubled and the Super Bowl audience has increased more than 75 percent."

There are 13 million people in the UK -- "including close to four million avid fans" -- that the NFL sees as fresh blood for growing the game.