The New Orleans Saints are making waves in the NFL’s international expansion efforts, with plans to potentially host an off-season mini-camp in Monaco. This initiative is part of the Saints’ broader strategy to grow American football in France, a market they have been actively cultivating since the NFL launched its global markets programme in 2022. The Saints are the only NFL team with marketing rights in France, and they have been building business and community links from the ground up. Their efforts include a strategic partnership with the Paris Musketeers, a team in the European League of Football, and various community initiatives such as flag football clinics for youth. The Saints’ outreach has even led to a connection with Prince Albert II of Monaco, who has expressed interest in hosting the team for a training camp. This move could further boost the Saints’ profile in France ahead of a potential regular-season game in Paris, which the NFL is considering for 2026 or 2027. The NFL’s international expansion is not limited to Europe; discussions are also underway for games in the Middle East and Asia. The league aims to establish a lasting presence in these markets, ensuring that international games are not one-off events but part of a sustained effort to grow the sport globally.
