A Strategic Alliance for Italian Football
The Cleveland Browns have formalized a partnership with the Italian Federation of American Football (FIDAF) after securing marketing rights in Italy through the league’s Global Markets Program. The agreement, finalized earlier this year, positions the franchise as a key catalyst for expanding American football’s footprint in the country.
Central to the collaboration is a push to develop flag football programs at the youth and national‑team levels, while also opening new opportunities for women and girls to participate. By integrating with FIDAF‑led camps, clinics and tournaments, the Browns hope to embed the sport more deeply within Italian communities.
Leoluca Orlando, President of FIDAF, described the alliance as an extraordinary milestone, noting that the federation’s ambition to grow the game aligns perfectly with the Browns’ vision of elevating football on a global stage. Brent Rossi, a senior executive overseeing the team’s international initiatives, highlighted the importance of community engagement and local federation partnerships in achieving sustainable growth.
The deal builds on the Browns’ prior work with the Nigerian American Football Association, where similar outreach efforts were launched. That experience informs the current strategy, which emphasizes grassroots development, visibility boosts for the Browns brand, and the creation of pathways for aspiring athletes across continents.