NFL Launching Pro Flag Football Leagues

League partners with TMRW Sports to develop men's and women's pro flag football competitions.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting a flag football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a bold color palette, conveying the sport's fast-paced energy and potential for growth.The NFL's new pro flag football leagues aim to elevate the sport's profile and tap into its growing popularity, especially among younger generations.Phoenix Today

The NFL announced it is getting into the pro flag football business, partnering with TMRW Sports to develop and launch new leagues for both men and women. The league has recruited a list of famous alumni, including former quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Steve Young and Eli Manning, as well as current players like Arik Armstead, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, to serve as investors in the new venture.

Why it matters

The NFL sees flag football as a growth opportunity, especially leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics which will feature the sport. With an estimated 4.1 million kids playing flag football in the U.S., the league is looking to capitalize on the sport's rising popularity and develop new professional competitions.

The details

The new pro flag football leagues will be developed and launched by the NFL in partnership with TMRW Sports. In addition to the former and current NFL players involved as investors, the league has also recruited former tennis stars Billie Jean King and Serena Williams, as well as former soccer star Alex Morgan, to be part of the new venture.

  • The NFL announced the new pro flag football leagues on March 30, 2026.

The players

Peyton Manning

Former NFL quarterback and investor in the new pro flag football leagues.

Joe Montana

Former NFL quarterback and investor in the new pro flag football leagues.

Larry Fitzgerald

Former NFL wide receiver and investor in the new pro flag football leagues.

Billie Jean King

Former professional tennis player and investor in the new pro flag football leagues.

Serena Williams

Former professional tennis player and investor in the new pro flag football leagues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm a former flag player, so I'm excited to see the sport get this kind of prominence.”

— Larry Fitzgerald, Former NFL wide receiver

What’s next

The NFL plans to launch the new pro flag football leagues in the coming years, leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics where the sport will be featured.

The takeaway

The NFL's move into pro flag football reflects the sport's growing popularity, especially among younger generations. By recruiting high-profile athletes as investors, the league is positioning itself to capitalize on flag football's potential for growth and development as an Olympic sport.