Pioneering a new era of the NFL’s Global Markets Program

Athens, April 29, 2025 – The Los Angeles Chargers proudly announce the NFL has awarded the team with international marketing rights to Greece, marking the first time the sport is introduced in an organized and strategic manner to the Greek market. As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, this milestone represents a bold step in expanding the game’s global reach—bringing the excitement and tradition of American football to a nation renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and for its deep athletic heritage.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Chargers hosted an exclusive press conference on Friday, April 25, at the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Athens. The event welcomed prominent members of the Greek media and distinguished representatives from the Chargers organization, including Mr. Fred Maas, Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers. During his stay in Athens, Mr. Maas also met with several key government officials, including ministers and deputy ministers and sports facilities to discuss the potential of American football in Greece and the broader impact of the sport on local communities.

This initiative holds special meaning for the organization, as Greece is also the ancestral homeland of Dean Spanos, Controlling Owner and Chairman of the Board for the Los Angeles Chargers. His family roots add a personal dimension to this launch, making the expansion to Greece not only strategic, but deeply symbolic.

On the occasion of his visit to Greece, Mr. Fred Maas stated: “It’s an honor to be here in Greece. This is really a special time and place for us. Ever since I met our Owner Dean Spanos, it’s always been a dream of his to bring the NFL and the Chargers to Greece. This year, it was made possible through the expansion of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. This is truly an opportunity for the Spanos Family to come to Greece and expose the game they love to the country they love.”

A New Chapter for American Football in Greece

Greece, with its longstanding legacy as the home of the Olympic Games and its vibrant sports community, offers a unique opportunity for the NFL and the Chargers to foster a meaningful cultural and athletic exchange. Through grassroots development, youth engagement, and local fan outreach, the Chargers aim to introduce the values of American football—teamwork, discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking—to Greek audiences.

Interestingly, the roots of American football trace back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, athletes played a sport known as Episkyros, involving scrimmage lines and ball-handling strategies that echo the foundational elements of the modern game. Forms of traditional football may have been played throughout Europe and beyond since antiquity, many of which involved handling of the ball and scrummage-like formations. This cultural bridge provides a unique narrative connecting the past with the present.

The initiative represents a bold commitment to the long-term development of the sport across Europe, positioning Greece as a dynamic new entry point for the NFL’s global growth. The Chargers plan to collaborate with local institutions and sports communities to build awareness, offer training experiences, and cultivate a passionate fanbase.

The introduction of American football in Greece is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of expanding possibilities, shared values, and the universal language of sport. With the support of the local community and the vision of the Los Angeles Chargers, this launch marks the beginning of an exciting new journey.

The Greek Secretary General of Sport, Mr. George Mavrotas stated: “It is my great pleasure to welcome on behalf of the Greek Government the Los Angeles Chargers delegation in Greece, homeland of the family of Chargers (Controlling) Owner & Chairman of the Board Mr. Dean Spanos. Los Angeles is indeed a special place also for me, as it is a milestone in my sport career: It was the place of my first of five Olympic Games, back in 1984, in the age of 17 years old with the Greek Water Polo team. As we all know, Greece is the birthplace of values’ based sport. It is both the home of Ancient Olympic Games hosted in Ancient Olympia… and Athens was also the first host of the modern Olympics in 1896. Sport creates bridges and there is a strong connection between US and Greece through sport. We strongly believe that the current LA Chargers initiative will not only boost American’s football popularity in Greece, but also, through the exchange of knowledge and expertise will also promote all aspects of sport integrity. Nowadays, sport is business, but we must always keep in mind that it is also values. It is a social tool that can change cultures and mindsets, conveying the correct messages to the society. Last, but not least, this project will further strengthen the friendship and collaboration between our countries, in which the Greek-American community had always played a vital role. Thus, it is with great pleasure and interest that we expect the outcomes of this initiative and we are ready to collaborate aiming at a win-win sport cooperation. Welcome LA Chargers, welcome NFL in the place where all about sport begun!”.

Live Draft from Athens, Greece

For the first time ever, the NFL Draft was live from the heart of Greece, marking a historic moment as the birthplace of democracy welcomed the future of American football. Against the stunning backdrop of Athens, with over 5 million global viewers, fans witnessed the electric atmosphere as the Chargers and Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Athens, Maria Olson, announced their fifth-round pick (158th overall) live from the balcony of Hotel Grand Bretagne, blending the ancient spirit of Greek culture with the modern pulse of the NFL. It was more than just a show — it was a celebration of sport, global connection, and the Chargers’ bold commitment to growing football on new soil. Greece became a part of NFL history, and the energy was unforgettable.

Check out a video showcasing how the Los Angeles Chargers set the scene as they prepare for the NFL Draft:

For more information on upcoming initiatives in Greece, visit www.chargers.com or follow the Chargers on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chargers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chargers/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chargers