The NFL is considering launching a professional women’s flag football league with the potential backing of high-profile investors, including tennis icon Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian. The league is expected to support the long-term growth of the sport, which has gained momentum in recent years. Several proposals have been submitted to the NFL by various groups, including TKO Group Holdings, Avenue Capital Group, and partners Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz. The Michael Strahan-backed SMAC Entertainment and Connect Ventures have also shown interest in the venture, highlighting the widespread appeal of flag football.
The NFL has demonstrated its commitment to the growth of flag football, particularly in terms of youth participation. The NFL Flag initiative has provided funding for the sport for several years, showcasing the league’s support for the development of flag football at all levels. Flag football is expected to be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, further solidifying its status as a global sport. However, it remains unclear whether active NFL players will be allowed to participate in the Games, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has acknowledged the increasing interest in a professional flag football league, noting that the league has received proposals from potential investors. Goodell discussed the potential for a pro flag football league during a press conference at the annual meetings and during February’s Super Bowl. While the specific details regarding the required investment in the new league have not been disclosed, the NFL’s interest in expanding the reach of flag football is evident.
Flag football has gained popularity worldwide, with the sport being played in approximately 100 countries. In the U.S., 14 states have sanctioned women’s flag football at the high school level, making it a varsity sport in those areas. A limited number of colleges also have official women’s flag football teams, highlighting the sport’s potential for growth and development at the collegiate level. The prospect of a professional women’s flag football league offers opportunities for female athletes to further showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
The involvement of high-profile investors, such as Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, in discussions about a professional women’s flag football league underscores the potential for the sport to attract widespread interest and support. The NFL’s role in promoting the growth of flag football, both domestically and internationally, further demonstrates the league’s commitment to expanding the reach of the sport. With the potential for flag football to be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics, the creation of a professional women’s league could provide female athletes with a platform to showcase their talents on a global stage. As interest in flag football continues to grow, the launch of a professional league could be a significant step forward for the sport.
