NFL Heads to Paris for Inaugural French Game
The National Football League (NFL) has officially announced that it will host its first-ever regular-season game in France in 2026, a landmark event for the league's international expansion. The historic matchup will take place at the renowned Stade de France in Paris, with the New Orleans Saints confirmed as one of the participating teams. While the Saints' opponent is yet to be officially announced, reports suggest the Cleveland Browns could be the opposing team. The game is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, though the exact date and kickoff time will be revealed with the full NFL schedule in the spring.
A Strategic Move for Global Growth
This inaugural game in France is a pivotal part of the NFL's aggressive strategy to expand its global footprint and cultivate a larger international fanbase. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized this vision, stating, 'Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league's global footprint.' He added that 'Paris is one of the world's greatest sporting and cultural cities with tremendous success in hosting global events that unite fans on the biggest stages.' The league aims to increase its international fixtures to nine games in 2026, demonstrating a clear commitment to overseas markets.
Stade de France: A Venue of Champions
The selection of Stade de France as the host venue underscores the significance of this event. Built in 1998, the Stade de France is the country's largest stadium and boasts a rich history of hosting major international sports and entertainment events. Its impressive resume includes:
- FIFA World Cup
- Rugby World Cup
- UEFA Champions League Finals
- UEFA European Championship Finals
- A starring role in the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris
Cultivating American Football in France
The NFL's move into France is built upon an existing and growing presence in the country. The league estimates it has over 14 million fans in France. The New Orleans Saints have been particularly active in the region, having been granted international marketing rights in France in 2023 as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program. Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed her enthusiasm, noting, 'This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris.' Furthermore, the NFL's official youth flag football program, NFL Flag, launched in France in 2023 in partnership with the FFFA, already engaging over 8,000 boys and girls and planning for further expansion.
4 Comments
Habibi
The NFL's strategy to grow internationally with events like this is understandable from a business perspective, however, they need to ensure the quality of the product doesn't suffer due to logistical challenges.
Coccinella
While it's great to see the NFL expanding its global reach and bringing the game to new audiences, I do worry about the increased travel demands on players and potential jet lag affecting performance.
Muchacha
Finally, Europe gets more regular-season action! Can't wait for Paris!
Mariposa
I appreciate the historical connection between Louisiana and France, making the Saints a fitting choice, yet I question if a single game truly cultivates a lasting fanbase or is just a one-off spectacle.