NFL Negotiations Underway for Regular Season Game at Stade de France in 2026

Negotiations are currently in progress between the NFL and GL Events, the management company of Stade de France, for hosting an NFL regular season game in Paris in 2026. This would mark a significant expansion of the NFL's international presence, which has so far focused on games in London, Germany, Dublin, Madrid, and recently Spain.

The discussions are reported to be advanced and could be finalized in the coming weeks, with an official announcement expected by spring 2026 when the NFL unveils its 2026 season schedule. NFL Vice President Peter O'Reilly has previously expressed interest in bringing a game to France as early as 2024. Furthermore, the New Orleans Saints franchise holds marketing rights for France and Monaco, positioning them as strong candidates to play in this proposed Paris game. Saints President Denis Lauscha indicated that news of an international match, potentially in Paris, could be imminent.

French football star Antoine Griezmann, who attended a recent NFL regular season game between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins at Santiago Bernabeu in Spain, has voiced his enthusiasm for an NFL match in Paris. Griezmann described the idea as a "romantic match," emphasizing his dream to see the NFL come to his home country, a sentiment echoed by many French fans.

Since 2007, the NFL's international regular season games have primarily taken place in London, with recent expansions to other European cities. The potential 2026 Paris game would be a landmark event for American football in France, illustrating the NFL's commitment to growing its international footprint.

With negotiations intensifying and key figures from both the NFL and French sports community expressing interest, anticipation is building for what could be a historic NFL game at Stade de France.