NFL in Paris? But are the fans onboard?

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that France will be hosting the first-ever regular-season game of the National Football League. A French site, RMC Sports, has also noted that, "the game will take place on October 25, 2026, and, as expected, the Stade de France will host the event...The game will pit the New Orleans Saints against the Cleveland Browns."

The Browns' spot is still in doubt, while the Saints are confirmed to go to Paris. As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, they hold international marketing rights in France. This initiative allows NFL teams to grow brand awareness and build fan bases outside the United States.

All 32 NFL teams participate in the program, spanning 21 global markets. The sport is also growing in the country of love, with over 14 million fans. And Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).

“Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint...Playing our first‑ever regular season game at the impressive Stade de France, together with the New Orleans Saints, underlines our continued global growth ambitions and we look forward to bringing the NFL to our passionate fans in France,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release.

Though the fans are unhappy, many have issues with the match-up, while others are upset because of the NFL going international.

NFL Fans Make Their Stand Clear on Browns vs Saints Game in Paris

Clearly not a fan of the Browns, one user was quick to discourage the possible Browns vs. Saints in Paris: "France gave us the Statue of Liberty 🗽. We give them the Browns. Lol". For the unversed, France gifted the USA the Statue of Liberty in 1886.

Another fan mentioned, "making the French watch the Browns might be an act of war", while one other commented, "Perfect. France is to winning wars what the Browns are to winning games."

The country of love has been historically famous for how it has been in wars. While luck certainly was not on their side, and it often took the hit, now France fares with caution, and maybe the Browns will do the same.

The Browns' regular-season win-loss record over the past 5 seasons is 34-51.

And for the other lot, we have Americans unhappy about their national game going elsewhere. "The Browns were just in England last year. Ridiculous," a fan wrote.

If the game happens, this would be the second straight season the Browns have played an international game, after their 21-17 loss to the Vikings in London on Oct. 5.

"These foreign games are ridiculous and need to go away! Not good for players, US (real) fans and s***** a team out of a home game," another concerned fan voiced.

Do you agree? For you, if you are not very happy about this, what is the reason?

And to stay updated with if the Browns end up in Paris and how it goes, don't forget to follow the Cleveland Browns Community.

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das