Thursday, April 16, 2026
exclusive
Asset Class

Alexis Ohanian Bid on NFL Flag Football, Serena Williams Exploring Franchise

Williams and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark appeared at a women’s sports panel during this week’s NFL’s owners meetings in Florida.

Los Angeles Golf Club owners Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams cheer for their team against the New York Golf Club during the TGL semifinal match at SoFi Center on March 17, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Palm Beach Post

The NFL’s planned pro flag football leagues are already attracting superstar investors.

Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six venture capital firm has submitted a bid to the league’s request for proposal seeking investors in men’s and women’s pro flag football leagues, an NFL spokesman confirmed to Front Office Sports Tuesday night. Separately, Serena Williams has publicly expressed her interest in owning one of the first flag franchises.

The league is receiving a lot of “interest and enthusiasm” from potential backers of the planned men’s and women’s flag football leagues, added the NFL spokesperson. The NFL wants to invest in the leagues but have other partners operate them, sources said. Once the leagues are operational, the NFL plans to sell media packages to current or new rights partners, media czar Brian Rolapp told FOS during Super Bowl week.

Williams and WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark appeared at a women’s sports panel during this week’s NFL’s owners meetings in Florida.

Serena and Venus Williams are minority owners of the Miami Dolphins.

Alexis Ohanian declined a request for comment.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for the
Asset Class Newsletter

Get the latest in sports finance, investment, and transaction activity, straight to your inbox once a week.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.
Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Founders FFC quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws ball against Logan Paul of Wildcats FFC during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

Fanatics-Tom Brady Flag Football Deal With Saudis in Peril

The event is expected to continue with or without Saudi funding.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field.

Efforts to Fight Sports Streaming Fragmentation Ramp Up in D.C.

“It’s not only confusing, it’s also damn expensive.”
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws during the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025.
exclusive

Private Equity Burrows Deeper Into College Sports

Arctos had a previously unreported stake in Learfield, sources told FOS.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags?

The NFL star joined an activist investor in pushing for change.
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees smiles prior to the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome.
October 21, 2025

Drew Brees Flag Football League Sells to PE Amid Youth Boom

Football ‘N’ America operates 24 flag football leagues across the country.
Sep 25, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics lead owner and governor Bill Chisholm speaks during a press conference at Auerbach Center.
October 22, 2025

The NBA’s Expanding Private-Equity Footprint

There is a PE connection of some kind for 20 of 30 teams.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
Jason Belzer
October 17, 2025

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Jon Ledecky
October 17, 2025

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.
Dave Checketts
October 17, 2025

When David Stern Accused Knicks of Circumventing Salary Cap in 1993

The Knicks walked away clean when accused of cap circumvention in the 1990s.