Just over a year ago, as the Paris Olympic Games were concluding, it was formally announced that flag football would be one of the new disciplines for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Other new additions include squash, the return of baseball/softball (for the first time since 2020), the return of cricket (for the first time since 1900), and lacrosse (for the first time since 1908).
According to an official NFL statement, flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with 20 million players worldwide. The fact that its Olympic debut will happen in the USA, where the NFL is by far the most popular sport, makes the timing perfect, particularly with teams allowing their professional players to participate.
Professional Flag Football League Gets $32 Million Backing
In an effort to generate greater demand and popularity as 2028 approaches, the NFL is prepared to invest significantly in flag football. NFL clubs voted today at the virtual December League Meeting to financially support the development and launch of a professional flag football league.
This landmark decision authorizes 32 Equity, the league’s collective investment vehicle, to enter into an agreement with a partner to operate a professional flag football league and invest up to $32 million in that league.
The NFL’s commitment reflects a long-term effort to support flag football in all forms as it continues to grow and evolve. Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, stated, “Today’s vote represents a critical step in establishing flag football as a premier global sport.” The new professional league will complement the Olympic momentum by creating a clear path for the top women and men athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level, further strengthening the sport’s global reach and appeal.
Flag Football Eyes a Major Leap on the Olympic Stage
Flag football is now offered at a high school level in 38 states, and the sport continues to grow at a rapid pace at the collegiate level, with hundreds of colleges and universities across the country offering flag football programming. This domestic growth is excellent for the USA, but the sport’s popularity is not yet as widespread globally.
While it is very different from original American football, primarily due to the lack of equipment and contact, it maintains the same fundamental principles. Outside of the United States, it is not yet widely known. We will see how this discipline debuts in a few years, but exciting plays and high-energy showmanship are almost guaranteed at the Olympics.
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