NFL clubs have voted at the virtual December League Meeting to support the development and launch of a professional flag football league.
The 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.
“Today’s vote represents a critical step in establishing flag football as a premier global sport,” said Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations. “We are developing the infrastructure to accelerate the game’s growth to new heights by creating a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to progress from youth and high school programs through college and now to the professional level.
“We look forward to forming a partnership to bring this vision to life and deliver a world-class professional flag football experience for elite athletes and fans alike.”
Olympic Debut at LA28
With 20 million players worldwide, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and it will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. The new professional league is designed to continue the Olympic momentum by creating a clear path for the top female and male athletes globally to compete at the highest level, further strengthening the sport’s global reach and appeal.
Flag football was officially confirmed in 2023 as a new sport at the LA28 sports program by the International Olympic Committee, alongside squash, Cricket, lacrosse and baseball/softball will also return to the Games after varying lengths of absences.
In the United States, flag football is now offered at a high school level in 38 states. The sport also continues to grow at a rapid pace at collegiate level, with hundreds of colleges and universities across the country offering flag football programming.
