2028 Olympics Flag Football Launch – Yardbarker
Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with five-on-five competition slated for July 15–22 at Exposition Park Stadium following a July 14 opening ceremony. Approved by the IOC in October 2023, this non-contact variation replaces tackling with flag pulls and features teams of five on 50-yard fields. With over 20 million players across 100 countries, the sport’s swift rise earned it a prime-time slot in LA28’s schedule, aiming to draw younger and global audiences. Exposition Park’s 22,000-seat venue will host fast-paced matches and vintage “Friday Night Lights” medal rounds under NFL-caliber production. Organizers expect flag football to be one of the most-watched events, setting a precedent for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Girls high school flag football officially sanctioned in Ohio – Cleveland Browns
The Ohio High School Athletic Association will launch its first girls flag football state championship in spring 2026, making Ohio the 17th state to sanction the sport as varsity. The Cleveland Browns ignited the movement in 2021 with a nine-team pilot, which has grown to 88 teams across 30 Northeast Ohio schools. Browns youth football manager Hannah Lee and CB Greg Newsome II secured a seat on the OHSAA coaches association, forming Region 18 for girls flag. In partnership with the Bengals and NFL, the program now spans Greater Cincinnati and central regions, fueling rapid statewide growth. Their blueprint mirrors national trends, as 100+ college programs and the upcoming 2028 Olympic debut underscore flag football’s ascent.
Women’s flag football continues surge with 3 new Arizona college teams – Cronkite News
In 2025, NAIA member Arizona Christian University, Ottawa University Arizona, and Benedictine University Mesa added women’s flag football, creating a robust trio in the Great Southwest Athletic Conference. ACU’s October 2024 launch under coach Michael Maccagnano drew local standouts like QB Catarina Maccagnano back from out-of-state programs. Ottawa UA and Benedictine Mesa’s additions expanded the conference’s competitive depth and kept West Coast talent home. NAIA women’s flag moves from “emerging” to “invitational,” with 35 schools committed for 2026 and full championship status on the horizon once 40 programs join. This collegiate growth complements high school expansions and aligns with the sport’s 2028 Olympic inclusion.
Zero Teen Fatalities’ Player of the Month: Shadow Ridge High’s Jaylani Palmer – Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas rising senior Jaylani Palmer earned the NFL’s Zero Teen Fatalities Player of the Month after an Instagram highlight praised her all-around dominance—five catches for 87 yards and three TDs on offense, plus two interceptions on defense. Across 23 junior-year games, Palmer racked up 112 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 36 touchdowns, cementing her status as one of the nation’s top high school flag stars. Raiders-backed youth programs in Clark County pioneered year-round camps and elite coaching, propelling Palmer and peers to national pools and future Olympic contention. Shadow Ridge’s coach credits her drive and humility in practice, while Palmer notes the NFL’s role in putting flag football “on the map.” This weekend, she’ll compete in Canton as part of the Raiders’ championship squad.
Marion County Juice NFL Flag Football program on the brink of history – Ocala Star Banner
Marion County’s 8U and 10U Juice teams travel to the NFL Flag nationals in Canton after winning Jaguars and Dolphins regional crowns, spotlighting the program’s leap from 115 kids in 2015 to 1,000 today. The 10U squad boasts a 23-4-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking, while the new 8U lineup quickly achieved a 30-12 season with two tournament titles. Director John Ivory credits consistent competition and elite coaching for Ocala teams often upsetting larger-market rivals like the Miami Immortals. Juice’s national presence intimidates opponents before kickoff, and a finals berth would mark Marin County’s first appearance in a title game. Their journey underscores youth flag football’s explosive growth and community impact.
FlagSnap Daily Blitz
- The New York Times recommends tuning into flag football as a fresh summer diversion during the major-league lull, showcasing its cultural appeal alongside niche international and domestic events.
Read Full Article - AL.com previews Alabama’s girls flag football season by naming standout returners and rising stars across classifications, setting the stage for high-school showdowns.
Read Full Article - The Morning Sun’s July 18 TV schedule guides viewers through a full day of sports coverage, including comprehensive broadcasts of the NFL Flag Championships across FS2, ESPN2, ABC, and NFL Network.
Read Full Article - KSAT spotlights a Boerne, Texas, youth squad representing the Lone Star State at the Rise Flag Football tournament at University of Maryland, illustrating flag football’s growing regional footprint.
Read Full Article - The Tennessean honors Ravenwood High’s Ricky Rodriguez as the 2025 Titans Flag Football Coach of the Year after leading his Lady Raptors to the inaugural TSSAA invitational crown and a 22-2 season.
Read Full Article - PR Newswire details Downy Rinse’s partnership with NFL FLAG to tackle uniform odors in one wash while supporting youth leagues nationwide, from championships to local tournaments.
Read Full Article - The News-Herald recaps South High’s 1-2 performance on Day 1 of the NFL FLAG showcase in Canton, highlighting a 33-0 win over a Bengals-sponsored team and two close losses.
Read Full Article - The News-Herald also shares a photo gallery of South’s Day 1 NFL FLAG action in Canton, capturing key plays and sideline intensity.
Read Full Article - WUSA9 follows DMV Prime Elite’s 7- to 9-year-old girls as they head to the Under Armour Under the Lights national championship at IMG Academy, a year after forming.
Read Full Article - The Star Tribune reports Rosemount High’s girls team making Minnesota history with a final-16 berth at the NFL FLAG Championships, reflecting the state league’s jump from four to 51 schools.
Read Full Article - The Pro Football Hall of Fame opens play for the 2025 NFL Flag Championships at ForeverLawn Sports Complex, welcoming nearly 300 teams and free fan access via NFL OnePass.
Read Full Article - The Canton Repository rolls out a video preview of the NFL Flag Championships on the fields of the Hall of Fame Village, inviting fans to experience youth and high school flag competition.
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