How the New Orleans Saints are planning global NFL dominance

The New Orleans Saints are going global—and they’re starting with France. Team owner Gayle Benson and star linebacker Demario Davis are set to travel to Paris this week as part of a push to expand the franchise’s footprint overseas.

The Saints are the only NFL team with official marketing rights in France, granted through the league’s Global Markets Program in 2023, and they’re wasting no time putting them to use.

The Saints’ French objective

According to NOLA.com, Benson and Davis will arrive in the French capital on Thursday, July 10. The visit includes a packed agenda: a fan meet-and-greet, a visit to the U.S. embassy, and a youth football clinic in collaboration with the French Federation of American Football.

Greg Bensel, the Saints’ senior vice president of communications, told NOLA.com that Benson’s mission goes beyond simply promoting the team. It’s also about boosting Louisiana’s presence and economic ties abroad.

“She’s our best ambassador,” Bensel said. “Her work with the international committee allows us not only to promote the New Orleans Saints, but also to champion the economic development of our state. Her presence in Paris for this initiative shows her commitment to building relationships beyond our region.”

Saints reconnect with French football via Paris Musketeers

While in town, Benson and Davis will also attend a European League of Football (ELF) game between the Paris Musketeers and Vienna Vikings at Stade Robert Bobin in Bondoufle, a suburb just south of Paris. The Musketeers are off to a strong start this season with a 5–2 record.

The Saints share a meaningful connection with the Paris franchise: Musketeers head coach and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio launched both his playing and coaching careers in New Orleans. He was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 1985 NFL Draft and returned to the team in 1997 as an assistant coach.

With this trip, the Saints aim to deepen their relationship with fans in France while opening the door to future NFL growth across Europe—and they’re doing it with two of their most recognizable faces leading the way.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.