USA FOOTBALL STATEMENT ON NFL INVESTMENT IN PROFESSIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The following quote can be attributed to Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and Executive Director of USA Football:
“USA Football celebrates today’s move by the National Football League and its clubs. This is more than an investment. It’s another signal to the world that flag football is ready for prime time.
“A professional flag football league only strengthens the talent pool we’ll draw from to build Team USA Football. It gives present and aspiring members of our U.S. National Teams an avenue to compete in between international competition cycles and provides another developmental pathway for athletes to prepare for flag football’s Olympic debut.
“Every athlete dreams of representing their country. This league provides a parallel opportunity for the men and women — and kids across the world — who hope to play flag at the highest level. As the sport’s National Governing Body, USA Football stands ready to support our partners at the NFL as they usher in flag’s professional era.”
Background:
The decision made by the clubs authorizes 32 Equity, the league's collective investment vehicle, to reach a formal agreement with a partner to operate a professional flag football league and invest up to $32 million in that league.
As the sport’s National Governing Body, USA Football is responsible for selecting, training and leading the U.S. National Teams in both tackle and flag football, including when Team USA Football® makes its debut in flag football in the 2028 Summer Games.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA Football® in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit USAFootball.com.