In a game-changing announcement for the sport of flag football, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed plans last week in London for professional men’s and women’s flag football leagues within the next couple of years. The recent announcement will blend perfectly with flag football’s debut as an Olympic event in Los Angeles in 2028.
Speaking at the Leaders in Sport conference in London, Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to building a comprehensive pathway from youth programs to professional competition, highlighting the surging demand for flag football worldwide.
“We’re committed to creating a women’s professional league, and a men’s professional flag league,” Goodell said. “We’ve had a great deal of interest in that and I expect that we’ll be able to do that, launch that, in the next couple of years.”
This development marks a pivotal moment for flag football, a non-contact variant of American football that has exploded in popularity, particularly among youth and women. With approximately 20 million kids playing the sport globally across more than 100 countries, the NFL sees flag as the future of football—accessible, inclusive, and primed for international growth.
“The demand is there,” Goodell said. “We’re seeing colleges in the states and universities internationally also that want to make it a part of their program.”
The NFL has long championed flag football to engage younger fans and promote safety. Initiatives like converting the Pro Bowl to a flag format in 2023 and advocating for girls’ varsity flag programs in all 50 states have laid the groundwork.
Goodell estimates that the leagues could launch as early as next year or 2027.
The Rise of Flag Football and NFL’s Strategic Push
The NFL has long championed flag football to engage younger fans and promote safety. Initiatives like converting the Pro Bowl to a flag format in 2023 and advocating for girls’ varsity flag programs in all 50 states have laid the groundwork.
In May 2025, NFL owners even approved active players to try out for Olympic flag teams, with significant interest reported from athletes across the league. Stars like Tom Brady are already jumping in, set to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in 2026 alongside current players such as CeeDee Lamb and Saquon Barkley.
Women’s flag football, in particular, is the fastest-growing segment, with high school participation surging and the first NCAA conference launching a varsity women’s division. Sponsors like Nike, Visa, and Toyota are showing keen interest, signaling strong commercial potential for the pro leagues.
Implications for High School and Youth Flag Programs
At HSFA FLAG, we’re thrilled by this announcement, as it elevates the sport we cover from the grassroots level up. High school flag football is booming, with more states sanctioning varsity teams and organizations like NFL FLAG hosting competitive tournaments for young athletes.
For high school athletes, coaches, and families, this is a call to action: Get involved, build skills, and aim high. HSFA FLAG will continue tracking the sport’s evolution, from local leagues to the bright lights of professional play. The future of football is flag — and it’s arriving faster than ever.
