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NFL to Grow -The Huddle- Nationally to Reach 14-5 Million Canadian Fans
Photo: Nov 20, 2022; Regina, Saskatchewan, CAN; The Canadian Snowbirds fly over the the field during the national anthem prior to the start of a game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

NFL to Grow -The Huddle- Nationally to Reach 14-5 Million Canadian Fans

With the start of the 2024 NFL season, the league has said it is stepping up its promise to its growing Canadian fanbase through the growth of "The Huddle" program. The program, which has enjoyed success in past years, aims to bring NFL events closer to home for Canadian fans through community participation, live events, and a shared space for football fans.

Wider Reach Across Canada

The NFL also recognizes the growing interest in American Football by a whopping 14.5 million fans in Canada. Therefore, "The Huddle" will take it nationwide to events scheduled across major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. These cities will host a series of viewing parties and fan experiences designed to be welcoming and interesting for both die-hard and new fans alike. For those who follow sports betting Canada, these events add another layer of excitement by bringing the NFL odds action closer to home.

Starting with Toronto, the first event will kick off on September 5, 2024, at King Taps, a very popular spot that, for this day and night, will be changed into a safe space for football. One will be able to catch the Super Bowl LVIII champion, the Kansas City Chiefs, up against the Baltimore Ravens. The only additions these events make to the activities apart from watching a game are that there is a meet-and-greet with NFL legends, photo-taking chances with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and performances by local DJs and cheerleaders.

 

Community Involvement and Fandom

"The Huddle" is more than a set of viewing parties; it is an effort to help create a community feeling and to celebrate the special community that Canadian NFL fans have created. The program, presented in part by Captain Morgan, is full of interactive activities, including the "We Fan Different" campaign. It asks fans to share their game-day rituals and connects them to the NFL in ways that are genuine and important to them.

By bringing these events to local restaurants and venues, the NFL wants to make the viewing experience easier to reach and social—a chance for fans to gather in spaces that feel familiar and hospitable. The program also helps attract new fans by providing an engaging, face-to-face experience that allows people to feel the excitement of NFL games within a social environment.

 

Planned Importance of the Canadian Market

Canada has always been a main market for the NFL, and the extension of "The Huddle" shows that the league is dedicated to continued growth north of the border. With 14.5 million fans, Canada represents one of the largest NFL markets outside of the United States. By growing these kinds of activities that involve fans, the NFL is not only catering to its existing base but also working to attract new audiences.

This is an intended focus on major Canadian cities, considering how a good chunk of its NFL fanbase lies within the areas of these cities. In so doing, through trying to work with popular local venues and adding back bacon and poutine to give it that popular Canadian cultural feel, the League is making sure that "The Huddle" speaks to the very specific tastes of Canadian fans.

 

Into the Future

"The Huddle" will continue its national launch through November 2024, with events matched with major NFL games and moments across the season. The move shows one of the key steps in the league's bigger plan to increase its international reach, especially in Canada.

 

As "The Huddle" continues to grow, it is very likely to set the bar for how sports leagues can interact effectively with their fans across borders. This expansion offers a special opportunity for Canadian NFL fans to connect with the sport in new and exciting ways, further reinforcing the NFL as a global leader in sports entertainment.

Continuing to create new ideas and work on fan experiences, the NFL makes sure that the passion and activity level of its Canadian fan base is well cared for throughout the season, setting up even quicker growth into the future.