A historical connection ignites as the Saints' French heritage lands them in Paris, promising a cultural full circle and the NFL's most poetic international game.
For years, the NFL’s international expansion has felt a bit like a corporate checklist. London? Check. Mexico City? Check. Germany? Check. But as we look toward the 2026 season, a potential matchup in Paris featuring the New Orleans Saints feels less like a business transaction and more like a long-overdue family reunion.
While recent reports suggest the deal is still being finalized, and the clock is ticking for a 2026 kickoff at the Stade de France, one thing is certain, the Saints are the only team that truly belongs in the City of Light.
A Match Made in History
Most NFL international games rely on the novelty of the sport to sell tickets. In Paris, the Saints bring something more than ticket sales, but rather the identity.
From the "Fleur-de-lis" on their helmets to the names of the streets surrounding the Superdome (Burgundy, Dauphine, Chartres), the Saints are a living, breathing extension of French heritage in America. To see a team from the "Paris of the South" play in the actual Paris isn't just a marketing gimmick, it’s truly a cultural full circle.
Why the Timing is Perfect
The NFL is currently in a "Global Gold Rush." With flag football heading to the Olympics and the league's "Global Markets Program" granting the Saints exclusive marketing rights in France, the infrastructure is already there.
- The Fanbase: France has a burgeoning American football scene (shoutout to the Paris Musketeers).
- The Venue: The Stade de France is a world-class cathedral of sport that has hosted World Cups and Olympics, it’s more than ready for the "Who Dat" nation.
- The Logistics: In 2026, the NFC teams will have nine home games. Moving one game to Paris allows the Saints to go global without sacrificing the traditional home-field advantage of a full eight-game slate in New Orleans.
The Cajun/French Connection
Of course, some skeptics argue that the French might not "get" the game. To them, I say, look at Germany. Critics said the same thing about Munich and Frankfurt, yet those crowds provided some of the most electric atmospheres in NFL history.
The real risk isn't a lack of interest, It’s the potential for the Saints to lose a crucial home game in a season where every win counts. But the upside, becoming "France’s Team", is a branding victory that would last decades.
"We have the rights to the country of France and Monaco... it makes so much sense, we think." — Dennis Lauscha, Saints President
A Move for the “Âme” (Soul) of the Game
The NFL often feels like a cold, calculating machine. But every so often, it stumbles into a narrative that feels poetic. Putting the Saints in Paris is exactly that. It’s a chance to show the world that American football isn't just about spreadsheets and TV markets—it’s about roots.
Whether it happens in 2026 or is pushed to 2027 to ensure the "ink is dry," the Saints in Paris is the international game we should all be rooting for.
"Laissez les bons temps rouler"