Paris Musketeers Named Official “Freedom 250” Partner by U.S. Embassy in France

The Paris Musketeers of the European Football Alliance have been named an official Freedom 250 partner by the United States Embassy in France, aligning the European club with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence and the historic Franco-American alliance.

The designation places the Musketeers at the intersection of sport and diplomacy, as the Freedom 250 initiative highlights collaboration between France and the United States across business, culture, and innovation. The Paris-based franchise will represent the sporting component of the year-long commemoration.

As part of the program, the Musketeers’ July 5 home game will serve as a flagship event, featuring ceremonial elements and themed activations designed to reflect the shared values between the two nations.

Transatlantic partnership with the Saints

A key driver behind the Musketeers’ growing profile is their partnership with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. The relationship continues to evolve beyond football operations, focusing on commercial growth, community engagement, and international development of the sport.

“France was America’s first ally, and 250 years later our partnership continues to grow stronger,” said U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner.

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson added that the partnership reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to France, pointing to the expansion of NFL Flag initiatives and the upcoming NFL regular season game in Paris later this year.

More than a game

For Musketeers CEO John McKeon, the Freedom 250 recognition reinforces the club’s broader vision.

“Our mission has always been to use sport as a bridge between France and the United States,” McKeon said. “This recognition affirms that what we are building goes beyond the field.”

The July 5 game is expected to serve as more than a celebration, with plans including corporate hospitality, business networking opportunities, and youth development programming tied to the Franco-American theme.

2026 season ahead

The Musketeers open their European Football Alliance 2026 home schedule May 23 at Stade Bauer in Saint-Ouen, with additional games split between Bauer and Stade Essonne. The club will host a competitive slate featuring Prague Lions, Munich Ravens, Raiders Tirol, Frankfurt Galaxy, and Nordic Storm.

🎟️ Tickets to the Musketeers home opener are available now via Ticketmaster.

To learn more about the Freedom 250 program, visit: [https://fr.usembassy.gov/america-250-2/](https://fr.usembassy.gov/america-250-2/)

With increased international visibility and strategic partnerships, the Musketeers continue to position themselves as one of the key organizations driving the growth of American football in Europe.