PLANO, Texas, June 11, 2024 – In a strategic move to bolster its sports marketing portfolio, Toyota Motor North America has inked a groundbreaking partnership with the National Football League (NFL), becoming the Presenting Partner of NFL Flag tournaments across the United States. This deal encompasses the NFL Flag Championships, Regional Tournaments, and NFL Flag League Play, solidifying Toyota’s commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible sports initiatives.
NFL Flag, the official flag football program of the NFL, has been instrumental in introducing the non-contact version of football to young athletes, driving remarkable growth in participation rates. With over 20 million players across 100 countries, flag football has witnessed a surge in popularity, particularly among women and girls, who are spearheading some of the sport’s fastest growth.
As “The Official Automotive Partner of the NFL,” Toyota gains the ability to celebrate and grow the game across regional and national NFL Flag tournaments in the U.S. The partnership will make its debut at the NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota, the world’s premiere youth flag football tournament, scheduled to take place from July 19-21 at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, OH. This marquee event will feature over 280 teams of girls and boys representing NFL Flag regional winners from across the U.S., as well as six teams from countries around the world. Toyota will also sponsor ESPN and Disney’s live broadcast coverage of the top boys (18U) and girls (15U) divisions in the tournament.
As part of the deal, Toyota and its 1,200 dealers across the U.S. will team up with RCX Sports, the official operating partner of NFL Flag in the U.S., to extend the partnership to more than 1,800 local NFL Flag leagues. Toyota will be integrated into these accessible non-contact programs that involve over 700,000 youth athletes.
This partnership comes after flag football’s recent inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, driven by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL. The league is investing in the development and growth of flag football at grassroots and elite levels globally, in partnership with IFAF.
Toyota believes in celebrating football not just in stadiums but also at the grassroots level across communities, allowing more people to play the game regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or physical ability, aligning with their mission of providing mobility for all and commitment to inclusivity.
The NFL recognizes that NFL Flag provides a way for boys and girls to compete in football and experience its benefits, promoting fitness, teamwork, and self-esteem among youth. The NFL is proud that Toyota sees the countless benefits of growing flag football and looks forward to their partnership.
Toyota will have a co-branded presence on NFL Flag jerseys, field signage, and flag belts during regional and national championships. The partnership allows Toyota to enhance the fan and player experience through a fan fest presence at national championships and content delivery across NFL and NFL Flag channels. Toyota will also be the presenting partner of the NFL Flag Players of the Year award.
RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese sees this partnership as a landmark moment in bringing grassroots sports experiences to communities across the country, with Toyota dealers deeply embedded in their areas, unlocking opportunities to offer this fast, affordable, and accessible game in more regions and towns, fostering unity and empowering the next generation of athletes.
Eli Manning, an NFL legend and Toyota ambassador, echoes Toyota and the NFL’s shared values, believing that flag football provides an opportunity for millions to experience the joy of playing football.
Toyota’s 1,200+ dealerships will have the ability to leverage NFL Flag assets in their respective local markets, with co-branded shorts and signage opportunities across NFL Flag League Play, allowing dealers to engage local leagues at multiple levels and provide meaningful impact.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About NFL Flag
NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL, with more than 1,800 locally operated leagues and over 700,000 youth athletes across the United States and Canada. NFL Flag programming also extends to more than 13 markets around the world. Fast-paced and accessible for all, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports globally with women and girls leading some of the largest growth and increased participation. Learn more online at nflflag.com.
ABOUT RCX SPORTS
RCX Sports is the premier youth sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events. Working directly with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and sports-centric businesses, such as MLS, NFL, Jr. NBA, MLB, NHL, and NAIA, RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by creating opportunities for all athletes to play. For more information, visit rcxsports.com.
via: PR Newswire
