Ireland Welcomes its First NFL Game: Exciting Partnership with Paddy Power
Ireland is on the brink of a groundbreaking moment, as it prepares to host its inaugural NFL regular season game. In a strategic move, Paddy Power has secured the title of the official sportsbook partner of the NFL for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
This partnership with Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power represents not only a step into the spotlight for the bookmaker but also emphasizes the NFL’s growing foothold in the UK and Ireland. Paddy Power intends to harness this one-year agreement to enhance its sports betting offerings, integrating the NFL into its established portfolio.
Alongside its sportsbook role, Paddy Power will act as the official free-to-play game partner for the NFL in these regions, unveiling the Paddy Power NFL Showdown. This engaging game invites fans to predict match outcomes by answering a series of rapid-fire questions, with the opportunity to win weekly jackpots and compete on a season-long leaderboard for exclusive prizes.
The announcement, made on a Wednesday, sets the stage for the NFL season kicking off on Thursday, where the Philadelphia Eagles will defend their championship against the Dallas Cowboys.
As part of the agreement, Paddy Power will benefit from promotional activities across NFL’s digital platforms and gain access to valuable footage rights. Additionally, fans can expect engaging Paddy Power activations at all games hosted in the UK and Ireland, which will feature three contests in London and one at Dublin’s Croke Park.
With the NFL’s popularity soaring across the UK and Ireland, Paddy Power’s managing director of marketing, Michelle Spillane, expressed the timing as perfect. "The NFL is achieving remarkable growth in the UK and Ireland, and with the first-ever game in Ireland approaching, we felt eager to take part," Spillane stated. "We look forward to enhancing the experience for fans attending the games in Dublin and London through events and our signature Paddy Power antics."
A Fanzone to Celebrate the NFL in Ireland
On September 28, the historic match at Croke Park will feature the Minnesota Vikings facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant milestone in sports for the nation. For those who cannot secure tickets, Paddy Power will sponsor a vibrant fanzone at The Camden, a popular sports bar in Dublin, from September 26 to 28, ensuring that fans can still partake in the excitement.
Henry Hodgson, the NFL’s general manager for the UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are ecstatic to join forces with Paddy Power as our official sports betting partner in these regions. Their innovative fan engagement strategies and their commitment to sports entertainment align perfectly with our objectives to expand the game in this area."
This partnership heralds a new era for NFL fans in Ireland, promising a dynamic blend of sports excitement and community engagement.