Flag Football’s Olympic Dream: NFL’s Bold Move
In a move that could redefine the landscape of American sports, the NFL is making significant strides toward establishing professional flag football leagues for both men and women. This initiative is not just about expanding the sport domestically but also about making a mark on the international stage. The NFL’s ambition is clear: to see flag football included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. And it seems they are not alone in this vision.
According to sources, ten groups have submitted bids to the NFL to become investors in these new professional flag football leagues. This round of bids is set to close this week, and the excitement is palpable. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about the league’s aggressive exploration of this venture, emphasizing the potential for growth and international appeal.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that the list of potential investors is as impressive as it is diverse. It includes Alexis Ohanian’s investment firm 776, TKO Group Holdings, Marc Lasry’s Avenue Capital Group, and a partnership between Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz. Other notable names include Connect Ventures, a collaboration between Creative Artists Agency and New Enterprise Associates, and SMAC Entertainment, co-founded by Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz-Morini.
Goodell, speaking at the league’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, expressed optimism about the future of the pro flag league. “It’s clear that there’s a lot of interest in the pro flag league,” he said. “We have been getting bids on people who want to invest in that, either financially or invest in the operations of that, so we’re hard at work and I expect there’ll be progress soon.”
Adding to the momentum, Serena Williams, who is married to Ohanian, made an appearance at a panel during the NFL meetings on Sunday. The panel focused on the growth of women’s sports and included other influential figures like Caitlin Clark, Denver Broncos minority owner Mellody Hobson, and Eli Manning. Goodell praised Williams, calling her “the GOAT” and highlighting her understanding of both business and sports. Williams’ involvement in sports extends beyond tennis; she became a minority owner of the WNBA expansion franchise in Toronto this year and has been a part owner of the Miami Dolphins since 2009.
The NFL sees flag football as a gateway to introducing the sport to new fans and expanding its reach internationally. The league has been a staunch supporter of efforts to include flag football as an Olympic sport in 2028. The numbers back up this enthusiasm. According to the National Federation of High Schools, about 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023, marking a 63% increase since 2019. This makes it one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. The NFL’s own flag football league boasts more than 750,000 participants nationwide, with all 32 franchises sponsoring their own leagues.
- Ten groups have submitted bids to the NFL for new professional flag football leagues.
- Notable investors include Alexis Ohanian’s 776, TKO Group Holdings, and Marc Lasry’s Avenue Capital Group.
- Serena Williams, a prominent figure in sports, is involved in discussions about the growth of women’s sports.
- Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with a significant increase in female participation.
As the NFL continues to push for flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics, the excitement and anticipation are building. The potential for growth, both domestically and internationally, is immense. With influential investors and advocates like Serena Williams on board, the future of flag football looks promising. The coming weeks will be crucial as the NFL reviews the bids and charts the course for this exciting new chapter in sports.
Originally Written by: Michele Steele
