The U.S. Department of State and the National Football League (NFL) have announced a partnership aimed at supporting and expanding the Department’s sports diplomacy efforts. The collaboration will focus on major sporting events, such as international NFL games, the Super Bowl, and the introduction of flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers and NFL executives during a ceremony held at the State Department in Washington, DC, ahead of Super Bowl LX.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) oversees the Department’s sports diplomacy programs. These initiatives engage with global audiences to promote U.S. foreign policy by highlighting American leadership in sports. According to the release, "Football is a uniquely American innovation and one of our greatest cultural exports. The Super Bowl is watched annually by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and truly captures the spirit of America, where hard work pays off to achieve greatness."
As part of this partnership, efforts will be made to enhance collaboration on international NFL games, use current and former NFL players and coaches as cultural ambassadors, and increase public diplomacy activities at U.S. embassies and consulates. Planned events include Super Bowl watch parties and flag football clinics for young athletes abroad.
For Super Bowl LX, with support from the NFL, the State Department is organizing 150 events across more than 65 countries on five continents.
Requests for further information can be directed to eca-press@state.gov.
