
Key Takeaways
- Oakley Icon Alliance women’s flag football tournament, powered by RCX Sports, expands to 16 teams across East and West Regional competitions in its second year
- Female athletes compete at NFL practice facilities including the NY Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and LA Chargers training centers
- The women’s championship takes place February 12-15, 2026 at The Bolt in Los Angeles, with the top four teams advancing
- Tournament expansion aligns with women’s flag football’s 2028 LA Olympic debut, positioning OIA as a development platform for female athletes
- World Champion quarterback Diana Flores of Mexico’s women’s national team will appear at the 2025 tournament
Tournament Structure and NFL Venue Access
The 2025 Oakley Icon Alliance tournament features a two-regional format before the championship round. The East Regional runs November 22-23 at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, while the West Regional takes place December 14 at the Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Each of the 16 teams plays seven games during regional competition. The top four finishers advance to the championship weekend at The Bolt, the LA Chargers’ facility in El Segundo, California. The championship operates on a semifinal single-elimination format.
Access to NFL practice facilities marks a strategic component of the tournament design. Teams rotate through venues used by the Jets, Raiders, and Chargers, providing exposure to professional-level infrastructure during youth competition.
Growth Timing and Olympic Connection
The tournament’s expansion coincides with women’s flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The sport will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, creating a clear competitive pathway from youth tournaments to international competition.
“Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and by expanding the league and elevating the experience inside NFL facilities, we’re meeting that momentum head-on,” said Corey Hill, Vice President and Head of Oakley Global Sports Marketing.
The platform connects to RCX Sports, which operates youth sports events and facilities across multiple sports categories. The partnership combines Oakley’s brand reach with RCX Sports’ tournament operations infrastructure.
Athlete Visibility and Brand Integration
Diana Flores, quarterback for Mexico’s national flag football team and a World Champion, will attend the 2025 tournament. Flores recently appeared in Oakley’s Stunt Collection campaign featuring HyperGrip technology, connecting product marketing to athlete development initiatives.
The tournament serves multiple functions: competitive venue, talent identification platform, and marketing vehicle for Oakley’s women’s sports investment. Teams gain exposure through association with NFL facilities and brand-sponsored events, while Oakley positions itself within the emerging women’s flag football market.
Strategic Implications
Oakley Icon Alliance operates in a rapidly expanding segment of youth sports. The platform’s structure provides competitive opportunities while building brand association during a period of significant growth in women’s flag football participation.
The use of NFL facilities, Olympic timing, and athlete ambassador integration reflects standard sports marketing approaches. Success will depend on tournament execution, team participation rates, and the platform’s ability to demonstrate measurable impact on athlete development pathways.
With regional tournaments starting in late November, the 2025 season tests whether the expanded format can maintain competitive quality while doubling team participation. More information is available at oakley.com.
via: Oakley
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.


