Flag football took a major step forward this week as the NFL’s 32 clubs voted to approve a landmark investment that will support the launch of a new professional flag football league. The decision authorizes 32 Equity, the league’s investment arm, to enter into a partnership to develop and operate the league, with the NFL committing up to $32 million to help bring the project to life.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for the sport. Flag football has seen rapid growth in recent years, attracting more than 20 million athletes worldwide and gaining traction across youth, high school, and collegiate programs. The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, a development that has elevated its global profile and increased demand for a professional pathway. Additionally, Tom Brady announced earlier this year that he is adding flag football to his portfolio.
Despite flag football’s popularity and participation numbers, there has never been a unified league offering professional opportunities for elite athletes. The NFL’s investment aims to change that by creating a structured system that connects youth programs to high-level competition. The league is expected to become a central platform for both men’s and women’s athletes to compete professionally, continuing the sport’s upward trajectory.
Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, noted that the vote reflects a long-term commitment to building the infrastructure necessary for the sport’s expansion.
“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,” Vincent said.
Flag football’s rise has been particularly significant in the United States, where the sport is now offered at the high school level in 38 states. College programs have also grown rapidly as interest and participation continue to increase. A professional league would fill a major gap in the competitive landscape, offering athletes the chance to pursue the sport at the highest level while attracting new fans and expanding its global reach.
As flag football prepares for its Olympic debut and continues to gain momentum domestically and internationally, the NFL’s decision marks a meaningful step toward establishing long-term opportunities for athletes. The development of a professional league could play a central role in shaping the future of the sport and elevating flag football to a new stage of visibility and competition.