Cirque du Soleil, known for breathtaking acrobatics, and the N.F.L., known for bone-crushing hits, are joining forces in the latest iteration of the sports world’s race for young and international fans. Together, they will open an interactive exhibit and theater in the heart of Manhattan next year.
It may seem an odd pairing, but the two sides say their partnership makes business sense. Cirque gets to align with the country’s most popular sports league, and the N.F.L., battling bad publicity over concussions, domestic violence and other issues, is uniting with a popular, uncontroversial entertainment brand with a broad, international following.