NFL clubs voted today at the virtual December League Meeting to support financially 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.
"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."
Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with 20 million players worldwide, and will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. The new professional league will complement this 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 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.
