The National Football League and the U.S. Department of State today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), launching a public-private partnership centered on sports diplomacy through the expansion of American football in global markets.
The partnership MOU was signed by the league and Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers. The Department and the NFL affirmed their commitment to jointly promote the sport of American football internationally as a means of enhancing cultural exchange, youth engagement and public diplomacy efforts.
"Football has the power to bring people together across borders and backgrounds," said NFL executive vice president for public affairs & policy Jeff Miller. "This partnership with the State Department will be invaluable as we work to grow our game around the world."
Rogers added: "As President Trump has said, football reflects our timeless American values of family, freedom, unity and hard work. The State Department is proud to partner with the National Football League to highlight American excellence through sports diplomacy, growing the uniquely American game of football to new audiences, new markets and new international fans."
The NFL will continue to host football events, clinics and training sessions abroad, and will provide access to players, coaches and program materials in the league's priority global markets, where possible. The NFL and the Department will collaborate around international games to convene U.S. and foreign leaders in support of sports diplomacy.
The Department will help identify priority regions and countries for joint initiatives and coordinate with U.S. embassies and consulates to support the execution of NFL international games and related programs. In addition, through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' sports diplomacy exchange programs, the Department will support international flag football tournaments, training camps and exchanges, and integrate American football-themed programming into U.S. embassies' public diplomacy efforts.
The Department and the NFL's partnership highlights the cultural values embedded in American football, including teamwork, perseverance, discipline and sportsmanship. NFL players have served as Sports Envoys, engaging with youth and other key international audiences. The NFL has continued to facilitate watch parties of the Super Bowl and international games at U.S. embassies, consulates and American Spaces abroad. For Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area next weekend, the State Department is working with the NFL to host 150 events in more than 65 countries across five continents.
