Key Takeaways
- The NFL selected TMRW Sports, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, to operate its new professional flag football league after a competitive bid process involving roughly a dozen groups
- NFL owners authorized up to $32 million in investment through the league’s equity arm to support the league’s development and launch
- Flag football participation in the U.S. grew 15% from 2019 through 2024, driven by lower injury concerns and increased appeal among young women
- The sport will debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where NFL players have been granted approval to compete
- The professional league creates a complete development pathway from youth programs through college to elite competition, giving youth sports organizations a stronger recruitment tool as the sport gains Olympic and professional visibility
TMRW Sports Wins Competitive Selection Process
The NFL has chosen TMRW Sports as its operational partner for a new professional flag football league, selecting the sports venture over approximately a dozen competing groups. TMRW Sports, best known for operating the TGL indoor golf league, was founded in 2022 by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley.
The group’s investor base includes multiple NFL connections. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf, and Washington Commanders minority owner David Blitzer back the venture. Current and former NFL players Josh Allen, Larry Fitzgerald, and Tony Romo are also on the cap table.
While a TMRW Sports representative confirmed the group’s interest in flag football, neither party has disclosed whether contracts are finalized or detailed the NFL’s level of operational involvement. An NFL spokesman stated the league has “made a tremendous amount of progress in one year, and the league is moving forward.”
NFL’s Strategic Investment in Flag Football Growth
In December 2025, NFL owners voted to invest up to $32 million through the league’s equity arm to support the professional flag league’s development. The authorization also included approval to partner with an external operator for the league.
The investment reflects the NFL’s broader commitment to flag football infrastructure. NFL executive Troy Vincent described the initiative as “developing the infrastructure to accelerate the game’s growth to new heights by creating a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to progress from youth and high school programs through college and now to the professional level.”
Recent Super Bowl week programming demonstrated this commitment, featuring a flag football Pro Bowl, a celebrity flag game, and an exhibition match between U.S. and Mexican flag teams. The league has also issued grants to help launch collegiate flag football programs.
Participation Growth Drives League Interest
Flag football participation in the U.S. increased 15% between 2019 and 2024, according to Sports & Fitness Industry Association data. The format addresses several barriers to traditional tackle football, including reduced head injury concerns for parents and easier adaptation to smaller rosters.
The sport has gained particular traction among young women who might not otherwise play football. This demographic shift, combined with the sport’s international appeal, positions flag football as a potential growth vehicle for the NFL both domestically and abroad.
The league successfully lobbied to add flag football to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and has granted players approval to compete in the Games.
Building Professional Infrastructure for Emerging Format
The partnership with TMRW Sports represents the NFL’s strategy to establish a professional tier for a sport that has historically lacked structured elite competition. Previous attempts at professional or semi-professional flag football circuits, including the American Flag Football League launched in 2016, have not achieved sustained operations at scale.
TMRW Sports brings operational experience from TGL, which features six teams and has secured partnerships with major brands. The group is also launching a women’s TGL league scheduled to debut this winter.
The NFL’s equity investment and operational partnership model differs from traditional league expansion, positioning the venture as a separate entity with NFL support rather than a direct NFL property.
Youth Sports Pipeline Benefits from Professional Pathway
The professional league structure creates a clearer progression for youth flag football participants. With flag football now spanning youth programs, high school competition, collegiate programs supported by NFL grants, and professional opportunities, young athletes have a defined development track similar to established sports.
Youth sports organizations offering flag football programming now have a stronger value proposition for families. The 15% participation growth since 2019 occurred before a professional league existed. A visible elite tier could accelerate youth enrollment, particularly among families seeking alternatives to tackle football for younger age groups.
The Olympic inclusion in 2028 adds another competitive destination for youth participants, potentially driving increased investment in training programs and competitive leagues at the grassroots level.
via: Sportico
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