NFL and US State Department Launch Partnership to Improve Global Sports Diplomacy

The United States Department of State and the NFL announced Thursday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) launching a public-private partnership to enhance the Department’s sports diplomacy initiatives.

The NFL and the US State Department will collaborate on major sporting events, including the NFL’s international games, the Super Bowl and the debut of flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

They have affirmed their commitment to promoting football internationally as a means to enhance cultural exchange, youth participation and public diplomacy efforts. The memorandum of understanding was signed between Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers and NFL executives at a signing ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC.

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An NFL football with the “250” logo commemorating the 250th anniversary during the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 4, 2026. (RICH Von Biberstein/ICON SportsWire via Getty Images)

“As President Trump has said, soccer 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 uniquely American soccer to new audiences, new markets and new international fans,” Rogers said in a statement.

“American football has the power to unite people across borders and backgrounds,” NFL executive vice president of policy and public affairs Jeff Miller said in a statement. “This partnership with the State Department will be invaluable as we work to grow our game around the world.”

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks on the field before a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on January 17, 2026. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)

The two will collaborate around international games to meet with American and foreign leaders to support sports diplomacy. The NFL will continue to host events, clinics and training sessions abroad.

The association highlights the cultural values ​​of football, such as teamwork, perseverance, discipline and sportsmanship. The State Department and the NFL are working to host 150 events in more than 65 countries on five continents.

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The NFL shield logo at midfield during the Munich 2024 NFL Game at Allianz Arena. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)

The Department’s sports diplomacy programs, through the Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), will leverage current and former NFL players and coaches as cultural ambassadors. They will also increase support for public diplomacy programs at U.S. embassies and consulates for events such as Super Bowl viewing parties and flag football clinics for young international athletes.

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