What happened: Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a Sunday morning event sponsored by New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson that the league is already planning a future return to the French capital. The remarks came hours before kickoff of the NFL's first-ever game in France.

Why it matters: Committing to a return date signals long-term confidence in the French market even after local protests forced the closure of league and team hospitality houses on Saturday. League officials had previously confirmed the Paris game was moving forward as planned after the Saints arrived earlier in the week.

What to watch: The Saints kick off the inaugural Paris matchup on Sunday while the league evaluates dates and venues for future international schedules.