Gayle Benson Credits Saints Fans at Paris Game 2026

Key Points

• New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson published an open letter reflecting on the franchise’s historic game in Paris, expressing gratitude to supporters, civic leaders, and corporate partners.
• Despite losing 16-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France, Gayle Benson highlighted the role of fans in serving as ambassadors and enhancing economic ties between Louisiana and France.
• National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that international fixtures in France represent a long-term commitment rather than a one-off event.
• The Saints offered a 10 per cent season-ticket discount and priority presale access to account for the Paris game being designated as a home fixture.
• Gayle Benson is also involved in upcoming international sports ventures, including an NBA regular-season game between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans in Paris on 14 January.

France (France News7) October 29, 2026 – Following the New Orleans Saints’ international regular-season fixture in France, franchise owner Gayle Benson has publicly commended the team’s supporters, commercial partners, and civic delegation for fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between Louisiana and France. Despite the Saints suffering a 16-10 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, Gayle Benson described the experience as a landmark milestone for the organisation. The executive praised the traveling contingent of fans for serving as effective representatives of the state’s heritage, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signaled that the league’s venture into the French market forms part of an ongoing global expansion strategy.

How Did Gayle Benson Express Gratitude to New Orleans Saints Supporters Following the Paris Game?

As reported in an open letter published on the New Orleans Saints’ official website, owner Gayle Benson reflected on the franchise’s recent international journey to Paris, praising every fan, dignitary, and corporate partner who participated in the event.

As stated by Gayle Benson in her published open letter, “I know this journey required an enormous amount of time, planning, and commitment. Whether you joined us as a devoted fan, corporate partner, business leader, community advocate, or elected official, I am deeply grateful that you chose to share this special experience with us.”

As reported by sports correspondents covering the Saints’ international schedule, Gayle Benson emphasized that local supporters acted as positive economic and cultural ambassadors for Louisiana throughout their stay in France.

As written by Gayle Benson in the official statement, “Everywhere we went, you shared the warmth, hospitality, and passion that make our community so special.”

To accommodate season ticket holders affected by the loss of a traditional home game at the Caesars Superdome, the Saints franchise instituted a 10 per cent reduction on season ticket packages prior to general sales. Additionally, season ticket holders were granted priority presale rights to purchase tickets for the game at Stade de France.

What Did NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell State Regarding the League’s Future in France?

As reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the regular-season contest between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers marks the beginning of a broader, sustained presence in France.

As reported by Agence France-Presse, Roger Goodell stated, “We’re not announcing anything because we always like to get through the first one and the second one before we do. We are not coming here as a one-off. This is part of our efforts long-term to be successful. We’re going to be here and be part of the culture. This is just the beginning.”

As noted by international media coverage surrounding the Paris fixture, the game attracted widespread interest across European markets, aligning with the NFL’s strategy to establish permanent international roots beyond existing games in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico.

How Does the Paris Game Align with Broader New Orleans Sports Ventures in Europe?

As reported by regional sports analysts, the NFL Paris fixture forms part of a series of high-profile transatlantic sports events connecting New Orleans and France over the coming months.

On 14 January, the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans are scheduled to face the San Antonio Spurs in front of a sold-out audience at Paris’ Accor Arena. Gayle Benson, who also owns the Pelicans franchise through Benson Enterprises, holds a direct stake in the event. The NBA regular-season contest will serve as a homecoming for French basketball player and Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, who has developed into one of the sport’s prominent international figures.

The Pelicans were selected for the Paris fixture due to the historical and cultural ties binding New Orleans to France, alongside their regional division rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA’s Southwest Division.

Background of the Particular Development

The historical connection between Louisiana and France dates back to the 18th century, when French colonists established New Orleans in 1718, naming it in honour of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. The region’s cultural heritage, legal framework, architectural style, and culinary traditions remain deeply influenced by its French history.

In recent years, state leaders and business associations in Louisiana have sought to leverage these historic ties to encourage bilateral trade, tourism, and investment. The NFL’s International Growth Program has increasingly targeted European nations to expand the sport’s global commercial footprint. By granting designated international marketing rights to teams with existing geographical or cultural ties—such as the Saints in France—the league aims to build localized fanbases and commercial partnerships abroad.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Louisiana Businesses and International Sports Audiences

The expansion of major American sports franchises into France is anticipated to yield significant long-term effects for commercial entities, sports properties, and international fans:

1. Enhanced Transatlantic Commercial Trade: For Louisiana corporate leaders and tourism boards, sustained sports diplomacy in Paris provides a direct platform to secure European commercial investments, increase bilateral tourism, and foster trade partnerships across key sectors including hospitality, gastronomy, and energy.
2. Expansion of the European NFL and NBA Fanbases: For sports audiences in France and mainland Europe, regular calendar fixtures featuring franchises like the Saints and Pelicans will deepen regional engagement with American professional leagues, driving merchandise sales, local broadcasting rights, and grassroots participation in American sports.
3. Template for Dual-Franchise International Marketing: For global sports executives, Gayle Benson’s strategy of utilizing both an NFL team (the Saints) and an NBA team (the Pelicans) to target a single international market (France) provides a blueprint for multi-sport cross-promotional campaigns designed to maximize brand reach overseas.