12 minutes ago, Mos_Eisley said:

I think we should take the following idea to the NFL so we can end the debate:  The Pro Bowl sucks, so it will be replaced by an international game. Europe, or any other country who feels inclined, can put together an American football team(depending on entrants, they might need to have a little tournament to determine the best team from the rest of the world). That teams gets to play the worst NFL team the week before the Super Bowl.  If the International team loses, the Super Bowl champs can proudly announce they are world champions. If the International team wins, they get to play the Super Bowl champs in the World Bowl in Switzerland. 

Better yet, a 1/2 football 1/2 soccer pro bowl.  Split the game into halves. 

Or is that rugby?

2 hours ago, Crustybeaver said:

The question is a valid one, why are winners of American only sporting tournaments considered world champions?

Because there are not organized professional leagues in other countries that would provide the same level of competition.

32 minutes ago, zskid00 said:

Because there are not organized professional leagues in other countries that would provide the same level of competition.

Well it was the only feasible reason I could assume. However the CFL is professional, the Japanese Nippon League is professional and there are professional ice hockey leagues all around the world, whether they would be competitive is debatable and not justifiable enough grounds to consider a basis for world champions. I think it has more to do with marketing from the organizations that drive these leagues and a general perception by the American public.

Lets say the Blackhawks after winning the Stanley Cup then play in some kind of mini continental cup playing the winners of the European, Asian, African, Oceania and South American leagues. Sure they might win it at a canter but at least they could claim the moniker of 'world champions'

 

In my opinion it is a marketing gimmick that has a hint of truth to it . NBA would be a classic example .