Flag football has been added to the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the NFL has expressed its support for NFL players to compete in the event. Five sports, including flag football, were approved by the International Olympic Committee for inclusion in the 2028 Games.
The NFL, along with the NFL Players Association and all 32 clubs, aims to facilitate a pathway for American football stars to participate in the Olympics. NFL Executive Vice President Peter O’Reilly described the Olympics as “the pinnacle of global sport” and expressed the league’s desire to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that NFL players can compete in the event.
This stance contrasts with Major League Baseball, which chose not to release players for the 2020 Olympics, citing concerns about disrupting the season. With 113 foreign-born players in the NFL, the league has the potential for strong representation in the 2028 Olympics.
Flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics could also benefit the NFL as it seeks to expand its global presence. The league has implemented international games and marketing initiatives to engage fans worldwide. The NFL has active flag football programs in 13 countries and intends to further promote the sport globally in partnership with the International Federation of American Football.
Flag football is viewed as an accessible entry point to American football and could foster the sport’s growth on a global scale.
