NFL Taps Tiger Woods' TMWR to Lead New Flag Football League

The league aims to accelerate the growth of flag football as a global sport.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The NFL has selected Tiger Woods' sports business venture, TMRW Sports, as its operational partner for a new professional flag football league that is in development. TMRW Sports beat out about a dozen competitors in a bid process, and NFL owners voted in December to authorize the search for a partner and invest up to $32 million to support the creation of the new league.

Why it matters

The NFL's move to partner with TMRW Sports signals its commitment to growing flag football as a premier global sport. By establishing a professional league, the NFL aims to create a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to progress from youth and high school programs through college and now to the professional level.

The details

TMRW Sports, co-founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and media executive Mike McCarley, will be responsible for the operational aspects of the new professional flag football league. The NFL has embraced flag football, making it the cornerstone event of the revamped Pro Bowl Games and allowing players to compete in the sport's Olympic debut at Los Angeles in 2028.

  • In December 2025, NFL owners voted to authorize the search for a partner and invest up to $32 million to support the creation of the new league.
  • The new professional flag football league is currently in development.

The players

Tiger Woods

Co-founder of TMRW Sports, the group selected by the NFL to be the operational partner for the new professional flag football league.

Rory McIlroy

Co-founder of TMRW Sports, the group selected by the NFL to be the operational partner for the new professional flag football league.

Mike McCarley

Co-founder of TMRW Sports, the group selected by the NFL to be the operational partner for the new professional flag football league.

Arthur Blank

Owner of the Atlanta Falcons, one of the NFL backers with ties to TMRW Sports.

Mark Wilf

Owner of the Minnesota Vikings, one of the NFL backers with ties to TMRW Sports.

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What’s next

The NFL and TMRW Sports will continue to develop the infrastructure and operational plans for the new professional flag football league, with the goal of launching it in the coming years.

The takeaway

The NFL's partnership with TMRW Sports to create a professional flag football league demonstrates the league's commitment to growing the sport globally and providing a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to reach the professional level. This move aligns with the NFL's embrace of flag football, including its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.