Flag Football to Debut at 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

Flag football, a non-contact variant of American football, is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved its inclusion in October 2023, alongside other sports such as cricket, lacrosse, baseball/softball, and squash. This decision reflects the sport's growing global popularity and its appeal due to simplicity, safety, and accessibility.

The flag football competitions will be held at BMO Stadium, a 22,000-seat venue in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. The men's and women's medal games are scheduled for July 21 and 22, 2028, respectively. The NFL has expressed strong support for flag football's Olympic inclusion, viewing it as a strategic opportunity to globalize the sport.

Flag football is played on a 50-yard field with two 10-yard end zones, featuring five-on-five teams. Instead of tackling, defenders remove flags from the ball carrier's waist to end a play.

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics is expected to boost the sport's international profile and encourage broader participation.