Growing American Team Sports Craze in France: NFL Debuts and WNBA Champion Gabby Williams

On October 25, nearly 80,000 spectators witnessed a historic moment as the NFL held its first-ever game in Paris at the Stade de France. The Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10, marking a significant step in popularizing American football in France. This event showcased not just the sport but also its entertainment facets, including halftime performances by artists such as Burna Boy, engaging a broad audience beyond traditional fans.

American sports have steadily gained a foothold in France since the 1980s and 1990s, largely driven by the NBA's popularity which has paved the way for the NFL's expanding ambitions. Boris Helleu, a University of Caen lecturer, noted that the dynamic and high-scoring nature of US sports captivates viewers, even those unfamiliar with the rules. Still, the NFL faces challenges competing with longstanding sports like rugby and developing a solid fan base since French American football player registrations stood at about 15,000 as of February.

Meanwhile, French basketball has reached new heights with Gabby Williams, captain of the French national team, making history in the WNBA. On October 31, Williams scored an impressive 30 points to lead the San Francisco Valkyries to a 68-63 victory over Atlanta in the WNBA finals, becoming the first French player to earn a WNBA title and being named finals MVP. Her performance during the playoffs saw her scoring average rise to 20.3 points, underscoring her pivotal role. Williams' coach Natalie Nakase hailed her as the best player in the world, glowing with praise for her leadership and skill.

Williams has previously earned two silver medals with the French national team and recognition as the best defender in international competitions, embodying the growing success of French athletes in North American leagues. Her celebratory remarks at the post-finals press conference reflected her joy and newfound status in global basketball.

Together, these events illustrate the remarkable rise of American team sports in France — from the atmospheric debut of the NFL in Paris to the crowning of a French star in the WNBA — signaling a deepening cultural and sporting exchange between France and the United States.