The NFL unanimously voted to allow its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles during its spring league meeting in Eagan, MN.
“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics, which is the pinnacle of global sport,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”
With approval, the NFL will begin working with the players’ union, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to implement rules that will allow the game’s biggest stars to participate in the competition.
Flag football will be making its Olympic debut in 2028.
Rosters will be created by each country’s Olympic committees, where the United States is slated to build a dream team that would be one of the obvious favorites to win gold.
“I warmly welcome the outcome of this vote, which promises to add another dimension to what is already shaping up to be a game-changing debut for flag football at the Olympic Games,” IFAF President Pierre Trochet said. “The National Football League is home to the biggest stars in American football, who come from more and more countries, and now have the opportunity to shine on the greatest stage in world sport, showcasing everything that makes flag football a genuine worldwide phenomenon. IFAF’s 75 national federations join me in thanking our NFL partners for this further demonstration of their commitment to flag football in the Olympic movement. We will work together to ensure our sport contributes a defining element of LA28’s success.”
The inaugural flag football competition at the Olympics will feature six teams (both men’s and women’s) of 10 players each. Games will be governed in a five-on-five format.
There are currently 75 members in the IFAF, with 31 of them competing at the most recent Flag Football World Championships
“Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honor of competing in the Olympics, and we’re excited that our members will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage,” NFL Players Association Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. said. “We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities on the terms of their participation to ensure players who compete will do so with protections to their health, safety, and job.”
