The Saints were granted a second international territory under the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
The New Orleans Saints are looking to build up their Italian fan base after the team’s international marketing rights were expanded to the country. On Tuesday, the NFL announced that Italy is the Saints’ second international territory under the league’s Global Markets Program — the first being France in 2023.
“Italy’s passion for sport and its vibrant communities make this an extraordinary opportunity for our organization,” Saints Owner Gayle Benson said.
The Cleveland Browns and the Saints were the only NFL teams granted marketing rights to Italy. The expansion means the Saints can build up their brand in the country, host fan events, and help grow “NFL Flag,” a flag football program.
“We look forward to connecting the Saints brand with fans in Italy, strengthening ties between our regions, and creating meaningful avenues for investment that support businesses throughout our city and state.”
The announcement follows Benson’s visit to the Vatican, where she met with Pope Leo XIV. Quarterback Tyler Shough and Offensive Tackle Taliese Fuaga recently traveled to Paris ahead of their October game in the “City of Lights.”
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The Las Vegas Raiders’ international marketing rights were also expanded to add Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
“The league-wide commitment to the Global Markets Program is helping to accelerate fandom of our league, clubs and players around the world, deepening our international footprint and bringing our game closer to fans globally,” said NFL Managing Director and Head of International Gerrit Meier.
The market expansions and overseas games are just some of the ways the NFL has been working to cater to overseas audiences. The league tapped global superstar Bad Bunny, Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2025, to headline its 2026 halftime show, making it the fourth-most-watched halftime show in NFL history.
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