Flag Football Set for 2028 Olympics

May 21, 2025 – NFL owners have officially approved the participation of NFL players in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a historic milestone for both the sport and the league. The decision, announced this week, paves the way for top professional football talent to represent the United States and potentially other countries in the Olympic Games as flag football makes its debut on the international stage.

This move signals a growing collaboration between the NFL and international sports bodies to expand football’s global footprint. While traditional tackle football has long been viewed as a uniquely American sport with limited global adoption, flag football offers a faster-paced, low-contact version that is more accessible and widely played worldwide.

With the league’s blessing, the NFL and Olympic organizers will now begin coordinating on player eligibility rules, team selection procedures, and scheduling to ensure that NFL stars can participate without disrupting the professional season. The NFL has also expressed support for using this opportunity to showcase the athleticism and skill of its players to a global audience.

The inclusion of NFL athletes is expected to raise the profile of flag football significantly, potentially drawing in millions of new fans. It also aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to promote youth participation and international engagement through non-contact formats of the game.