The National Football League (NFL) is moving forward with plans to introduce a professional flag football league featuring both men's and women's competitions. This initiative is being developed in partnership with TMRW Sports, signaling a major step for the rapidly growing sport.

League Formation and Investment

In December, every NFL club voted in favor of supporting the creation of this new professional league. This support was formalized through 32 Equity, the league's dedicated investment arm.

Initial Funding Secured

The team owners authorized an initial financial commitment of up to $32 million to fund the development of the league. This investment underscores the league's commitment to establishing a robust professional structure.

Notable Investor Backing

The venture has attracted significant backing from prominent figures across sports. Investors include established and retired NFL stars such as Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, and Arik Armstead.

The list of supporters also features major names from other sports, including tennis legend Serena Williams, sports icon Billie Jean King, soccer star Alex Morgan, and businesswoman Ilana Kloss.

Timeline and Olympic Connection

The primary goal is to launch the professional league before flag football makes its official debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. NFL owners passed a resolution on Tuesday allowing current NFL players to participate in the Olympic competition.

Scheduling Possibilities

Mike McCarley, founder and CEO of TMRW Sports, noted that the league structure is still being finalized. One potential scheduling model involves a summer season, which would align perfectly as a precursor to the main NFL season in the fall.

Creating Aspirational Pathways

McCarley emphasized the importance of this professional structure. He stated, "The pathway is there... What's been missing in that pathway is a professional league."

This league will offer athletes a place to earn a living while competing in the sport they love. It will serve as the ultimate aspiration for young players progressing from youth and high school levels, leading up to the Olympic Games every four years.

Flag Football's Rapid Growth

The push for a professional league coincides with flag football's substantial rise in popularity. This growth was a key factor in its inclusion in the Olympic program.

Youth Participation Soars

According to the NFL, approximately 4.1 million youth currently play flag football in the United States. This represents an increase of over 50% since 2020.

High School Adoption

Flag football is now offered at the high school level across 39 states. Participation among young women has seen particularly dramatic growth, jumping nearly 60% between 2024 and 2025.