Brett Gosper Details NFL Expansion Plans in France

Stade de France Secures First-Ever NFL Fixture

The NFL is bringing American football to France for the first time, staging a matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France on Sunday, October 25, 2026. franceinfo reported that the historic fixture is being spearheaded by Brett Gosper, the league’s head in Europe, as part of a long-term strategy to establish a permanent footprint in the country.

Paris Targeted as the League’s Next International Hub

League executives have set ambitious targets for the French capital, treating the upcoming fixture as a foundational step rather than a one-off exhibition. “What we want to make of Paris is a mini Super Bowl, and we have broader ambitions to become a global brand, a global business,” Gosper told franceinfo. He noted that France represents the league’s third-largest fan base in Europe, underpinned by the country’s track record in hosting major international sporting events.

Planning for the French market involves a deliberate, generational approach backed by team owners. While precise scheduling for future games remains under review, the league typically revisits international markets every one to two years once initial events prove successful. To anchor this presence, the NFL has established a local office in Paris, hiring domestic staff and partnering with local agencies to manage operations on the ground.

Tapping Into a Twelve-Million-Strong Domestic Fan Base

Market research cited by league leadership indicates that approximately 12 million people in France follow the NFL. That existing audience base, combined with the historic infrastructure of the Stade de France and established commercial partners, created what Gosper described as a highly aligned set of conditions for high-potential growth.

Evaluating Future Expansion

The October 2026 contest between the Saints and the Steelers serves as the centerpiece of this market entry, offering local fans their first live experience of an NFL game on French soil. The league has not yet announced a definitive timeline or opponent for a subsequent game in Paris, though international operations teams continue to evaluate scheduling options.