This marks the first time the NFL has entered the Greek market in a structured and strategic way, ushering in a new era of cultural and athletic exchange between the United States and Greece.
To commemorate this groundbreaking milestone, the Chargers held a high-profile press conference on April 25 at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens. The event was attended by Greek media, dignitaries, and representatives of the Chargers organisation, including Fred Maas, Chief of Staff and Counselor for the team. Maas also engaged with Greek government officials to discuss the potential for American football in Greece and its long-term impact on communities and youth sports.
This expansion carries personal significance for the Chargers. Team Chairman and Controlling Owner Dean Spanos has deep family roots in Greece, making the move not only strategic but also symbolic. “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,” said Maas. “This is truly an opportunity for the Spanos Family to come to Greece and expose the game they love to the country they love.”
From Olympia to the NFL: A Cultural Connection
Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a country steeped in sporting tradition, offers a compelling new frontier for the NFL. The Chargers aim to cultivate interest through youth engagement, grassroots development, and community involvement, introducing core values of American football such as teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking.
The initiative also draws a fascinating historical parallel: ancient Greek sport included a game known as Episkyros, which involved elements reminiscent of modern football—team play, ball handling, and territorial strategy. This connection creates a unique cultural bridge between past and present, ancient athletics and contemporary competition.
Greek Government Welcomes NFL’s Arrival
Welcoming the initiative on behalf of the Greek government, Secretary General of Sport George Mavrotas shared both personal and national enthusiasm. “It is my great pleasure to welcome the Los Angeles Chargers delegation in Greece, homeland of Dean Spanos’ family,” he stated. “As we all know, Greece is the birthplace of values-based sport. This project will not only boost American football’s popularity but also promote integrity and cross-cultural cooperation in athletics. Sport is more than business; it is a social tool that builds bridges between cultures.”
Athens Makes NFL Draft History
In a world-first, the 2025 NFL Draft featured a live broadcast from Athens, with the Chargers announcing their fifth-round pick (158th overall) from the balcony of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The moment, set against the backdrop of the Acropolis and the historic centre of Athens, was watched by over 5 million viewers worldwide. Maria Olson, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, joined the Chargers in what became a powerful symbol of transatlantic collaboration through sport.
This milestone places Greece firmly on the NFL’s international map and signifies a bold commitment by the Los Angeles Chargers to grow the sport on new soil. With strong support from both the Greek government and the Greek-American community, the initiative promises to deepen ties between two nations and inspire the next generation of athletes on both sides of the Atlantic.