Title: Is France Among the NFL’s Upcoming Destinations?
The National Football League (NFL) has been making significant strides in expanding its reach beyond the borders of the United States. With successful games already held in London and Mexico City, there is increasing speculation about which international location might be next on the NFL’s radar. One country that has been frequently mentioned in this context is France. But is France really among the NFL’s upcoming destinations?
The NFL’s International Series
The NFL International Series began in 2007 with the aim of promoting American football to a global audience. The series has primarily focused on hosting regular-season games in London, with Wembley Stadium and later Tottenham Hotspur Stadium serving as the venues. In 2016, the NFL expanded its international reach to Mexico City, and there have been discussions about potentially hosting games in other countries like Germany and Canada.
France and American Football
France may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about American football, but the sport has been growing steadily in popularity there. The country has its own American football league, known as Ligue de Football Américain (LFA), which was established in 1982. The league currently consists of six teams and has helped to cultivate a dedicated fan base for the sport.
Moreover, France has produced several players who have gone on to play in the NFL, including Anthony Mahoungou and Moritz Boehringer. This shows that there is not only interest in watching American football in France but also in playing it.
The Potential for an NFL Game in France
While there are clear signs of growing interest in American football in France, there are also significant challenges that would need to be overcome for an NFL game to be held there.
Firstly, there is the issue of finding a suitable venue. The Stade de France, the country’s national stadium, could potentially host an NFL game, but it would require significant modifications to accommodate an American football field.
Secondly, there is the question of whether there would be enough interest in an NFL game to fill a stadium. While the LFA has a dedicated fan base, it is still relatively small compared to other sports in France. The NFL would need to invest heavily in marketing and promotion to ensure a successful game.
Finally, there is the issue of timing. The NFL season runs from September to February, which overlaps with the French rugby season. This could potentially create scheduling conflicts.
The Verdict
While France is certainly an intriguing potential destination for the NFL, it seems unlikely that a game will be held there in the immediate future. The NFL’s current focus appears to be on consolidating its presence in London and Mexico City, and potentially expanding into Germany and Canada.
However, given the growing interest in American football in France, it is certainly possible that we could see an NFL game there in the future. For now, French fans of American football will have to content themselves with watching games on TV or traveling to other countries to see them live.