• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Olympic Flag Football Could Fuel NFL’s Global Ambitions

  • Olympic inclusion presents powerful combination of two existing league initiatives
  • Several current and former NFL players have expressed interest in competing
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has made no secret of its accelerating international ambitions, and it was also a fierce advocate for flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics as part of the league’s broader participatory push.

Now, those two key initiatives could combine in powerful fashion.

Several current and former NFL players have already expressed interest in competing for an Olympic gold medal — something previously impossible in the sport — and they have the league’s support.

“Through this process, a number of great young stars of the league have said how great it would be to represent their country and play flag,” NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly told Reuters. 

Details have not yet been finalized, and the IOC still must grant final approval to the request of the LA28 organizing committee to include flag football, along with baseball and softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash. It also remains to be seen how receptive some teams owners will be to having their top talent competing outside the existing NFL structure, even in a non-contact setting. 

But the inclusion of flag football offers up the possibility of creating “Dream Teams” in the sport — and not necessarily just with the U.S. squad. 

The 1992 men’s Olympic basketball team — the first Dream Team that included NBA players in the Olympics — helped fuel a meteoric rise in fan interest in that league, and a similar situation could develop for the NFL.

“Calling all @NFL guys, let’s bring one home,” said Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill on X, formerly known as Twitter. Hill is one of the NFL’s fastest players.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Colleges Are Raising Student Fees to Pay for Athlete Revenue-Sharing

Schools are preparing to pay student athletes up to $20.5 million annually.
Woody Johnson, primary owner of the New York Jets, is shown, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park.

Premier League’s NFL Ties Deepen As Jets Owner Buys Crystal Palace

John Textor was at risk of running afoul of the UEFA’s ownership rules.

World Cup, NFL Draft, New Stadiums in PA … and No State..

Growing sports-related needs conflict with budget worries in the commonwealth.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

NBA Conference Gap Wider Than Ever Amid Injuries to East’s Best

A team from the West has won the NBA title 17 times since 2000.
June 22, 2025

WNBA Players Drop Fresh Statement in CBA Fight: ‘We Want a Fair..

The WNBA All-Star Game is less than four weeks away.
June 22, 2025

Thunder Win NBA Finals Behind Young, Deep, and Cheap Roster

The Thunder’s young and cheap roster won its first title Sunday.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
June 20, 2025

Pac-12 Still Playing Conference Tetris As Realignment Heats Up

Sacramento State is leaving the Big Sky for the Big West.
June 19, 2025

Fire Rekindled? WNBA’s Portland Expansion Team Eyes Original Name

WNBA trademarks hint at Portland Fire revival as league expands and honors history.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-71.
June 18, 2025

Caitlin Clark ‘Celebrates’ Chance at $500K Commissioner’s Cup Prize

The winning team shares a $500,000 prize pool.
June 18, 2025

Dana White’s Next Frontier: Making Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream

The TKO Group Holdings–owned competition expands once again.