A new page for the presence of American football in Greece is opening, thanks to the initiative of the Greek diaspora, Mr. Dean Spanos, owner of the Los Angeles Chargers American football team, based in Los Angeles.
As announced at a press conference given by the Chief of Staff and Counselor of the LA Chargers, Fred Maas, in Athens, the world championship of American football is taking its first steps in the Greek market, starting with a series of youth camps and actions that begin immediately, aiming to build a new fan base of the sport in our country.
If American football manages to win over the Greek public, then the “Spanos bet” may prove to be more than just another international expansion: a new chapter in the sports connection between Greece and the USA.
“Greece is a country with a deep connection to sports since ancient times. What better way than to bring the NFL here?” said the LA Chargers’ Chief of Staff and Counselor, Fred Maas.
Mr. Maas met with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Anna Karamanli, with whom they discussed the possibility of future cooperation with the ministry.
The first major activity in Athens will take place on Saturday, April 26, when the team will initiate the draft process with images from Greece and the Acropolis, a television event for the USA that attracts the attention of more than 12 million viewers. The NFT Draft in recent years has been more popular than even the NBA, Mr. Maas pointed out.
This is the start of a long-term program to introduce Greeks to American football, which will include events throughout the year, marketing and promotion activities, as well as monitoring interest in the sport in the country.
From Mexico and Britain… to Athens
The NFL’s international development program began several years ago in the United Kingdom and Mexico, and today operates in 21 markets worldwide, with the participation of 25 teams. Now, Greece is also on the map, with the aim of establishing the culture of American football in the long term.
Although the time difference makes it difficult to broadcast the games live, the possibility of delayed broadcasts with explanations for viewers is being considered. “It is a complex sport, but it can be made attractive and understandable. We need to present it in the right way,” Mr. Maas said.
What does the NFL outreach program in Greece include?
The plans include organizing youth camps, which will begin in September, giving children the opportunity to get to know the sport through play and fun, while watch parties will also be organized.
In fact, partnerships with educational institutions are already being sought to spread the sport to young people.
In Greece, approximately 4,000 NFL fans already watch games, while at least 2 million viewers watch the Super Bowl grand finale, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, on their TVs.
The Spanos family, known for their contribution to Greece, especially in times of crisis and natural disasters, sees the project as a long-term bet.
“It doesn’t matter how much we invest – we already have five people in Greece organizing it. It will take time, but we are fully committed to our goal. It may take 5-10 years until we see an NFL game in Greece, but we will make it happen,” Mr. Maas said.
Projection with images from the Acropolis
The NFL’s plan also includes images of the Acropolis in the championship material, as well as on TikTok to promote the sport to young people and Athens as a destination related to the sport.
“Greece has enormous tourism potential. If we manage to bring an NFL event, the image of Athens and the Acropolis will reach tens of millions of viewers worldwide,” said the LA Chargers spokesman.
A famous Greek in the NFL is George Karlaftis, who is considered the new star of the Super Bowl. Last year he made history after becoming the first Greek to celebrate consecutive titles in the NFL, winning the second championship of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
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