Just months before the NFL’s first regular season game in France, the New Orleans Saints detailed their strategy on Friday, March 27th, in Paris to establish a lasting presence in the French market and cultivate a fanbase.
A conference hosted in Paris by the NFL and the New Orleans Saints clarified the ambitions surrounding the first regular season game scheduled for France this fall. Several key takeaways emerged from the event.
First, France has been clearly identified as a priority market. “We seek to make the NFL a truly global sport. That means going through Paris,” summarized Brett Gosper, the league’s head of Europe and Asia.
“Here for the Long Haul”
In line with this vision, the NFL plans a sustained commitment to the country. “We’re going to hire French people to set up an office in Paris. We are here for the long haul, not just for one game,” the league stated.
Second, the event is expected to extend beyond the sporting competition itself. The league described a “mini Super Bowl” with activations planned over several days. “It’s a sport, but also a show,” Gosper emphasized, with a desire to provide a comprehensive experience surrounding the game.
On the business front, momentum is already building. Pre-registration has exceeded 200,000 requests, demonstrating strong interest. The NFL is also working to attract local partners, with a clear objective: to structure a commercial ecosystem in France.
“Becoming the French NFL Team”
The Saints’ approach is equally ambitious. The franchise aims to grow deeply rooted in the country. “France is natural for us,” explained owner Gayle Benson, referencing the historical ties with Louisiana. The goal is explicit: “We are going to do everything to become the French NFL team.”
Quarterback Tyler Shough and offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga traveled across the Atlantic to promote the game. They answered questions from journalists and visited several landmarks in the capital, including the Stade de France and the Parc des Princes, as well as the PSG dressing rooms.
the league plans to invest in the development of flag football, an Olympic discipline in 2028, to broaden participation and reach new audiences. Through this conference, the NFL confirmed that Paris is not a one-off event, but a key step in its international growth strategy. The Saints’ opponent for the historic game remains unconfirmed.
Read also: Interview – NFL in Paris in 2026: “We are not coming to play a game and leave,” assures Brett Gosper
The Saints’ commitment to France extends beyond a single game. It’s a calculated, long-term investment in a market the NFL believes holds significant potential. For a league historically dominated by domestic viewership, this expansion represents a bold step toward becoming a truly global sporting entity. The success of this venture will likely hinge on the league’s ability to connect with French fans on a cultural level, and the Saints appear determined to lead that charge.
The first NFL regular season game in Paris is scheduled for the autumn of 2026 at the Stade de France. Further details regarding the opponent and game time will be released by the league in the coming months. Fans interested in securing tickets are encouraged to pre-register through the NFL’s official website.
