New Orleans Saints deepen commitment to growing flag and American Football in France

The New Orleans Saints have strengthened their formal partnership with the French Federation of American Football (FFFA), expanding a multi-year collaboration aimed at developing the sport and its community at both grassroots and elite levels throughout France.

A structured partnership for growth
In November 2025, the Saints and FFFA signed a detailed partnership agreement focused on three key areas: the development of flag football across the country, support for young athletes, and broader institutional and sporting cooperation. This alliance supports the FFFA‘s strategic goals as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, helping to “lay the foundations for the future,” as noted by FFFA President Frédéric Paquet.

Grassroots engagement and youth development
The Saints’ involvement goes far beyond symbolic support. The franchise has taken an active role in nurturing young talent in France, including hosting a national flag football camp in Villepinte in July 2025 that brought together promising players for training and development. For the past three years, the team has also supported NFL Flag tournaments for U12 and U13 categories in France, providing official equipment, prizes, and merchandise to help enhance the experience for participants and foster greater interest in the game.

Cultural ties and international visibility
The relationship is deepened by historical and cultural connections between New Orleans and France, particularly through the shared heritage of Louisiana. As part of the NFL’s international marketing program, the Saints hold rights to develop their brand and fanbase in France, working to unify supporters and increase the visibility of American football. This effort will see a major milestone in 2026 when the Saints are scheduled to host an NFL regular-season game at the Stade de France—a landmark event expected to significantly boost the profile of the sport nationwide.

Looking to the future
This partnership reflects a shared long-term vision: to sustainably grow American and flag football in France, inspire new generations of players, and solidify the country’s place in the global football community. With flag football’s Olympic inclusion on the horizon, the Saints and FFFA are positioned to play a pivotal role in elevating the sport’s status and competitiveness in France for years to come.