How IFAF Plans to Diversify Flag Football Revenue and Reduce NFL Reliance Pre-LA28
✨ Coach, Parents & Player Tips
Coach’s Clipboard: During water breaks, shout “Frog Hop!” and have everyone belly-flop then explode forward in frog jumps for eight yards. It turns rest into hip-power training and guarantees more giggles than complaints.
Postgame Parents: I know you’re juggling errands, but next time you’re unloading groceries have your athlete carry two bags at arm’s length from car to kitchen—building grip, core and leg power in a single trip (and yes, expect bonus laughs when the apples start to wobble!).
Players Snap: Sharpie your mouthguard with your number before game day—so when it rockets into a muddy puddle, you can grab it back in seconds instead of playing detective.
🔎 Feature Story
🏅 IFAF to diversify revenue mix to lessen NFL reliance
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is moving to broaden its revenue streams beyond the NFL’s 75% share in 2024 by targeting new sponsorship, media and licensing deals ahead of flag football’s LA28 Olympic debut. This strategic diversification aims to establish stable funding sources and support long-term growth in the sport.
🌍 Regional Roundup
UAE: The San Francisco 49ers partnered with GEMS Education to integrate flag football into UAE school curricula, supplying gear, curriculum resources and teacher training ahead of an annual interschool tournament. The NextGen program expands in January 2026 following 2024 clinics that trained more than two dozen PE teachers across the GEMS network.
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Sequim, Washington: Sequim’s girls varsity flag football team recorded its first home victories with wins over Klahowya and Port Angeles, showcasing rapid growth in team communication and strategic play after the sport was officially sanctioned this season. The Wolves improved to 5-1 and continue winter-break practices ahead of upcoming Olympic League matchups.
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⭐ Player Spotlight
Ava Irwin – Freshman Wide Receiver/Safety, JSerra. Irwin helped lead JSerra to a perfect 28-0 season with 163 catches for 1,903 yards, 27 touchdowns, 94 flag pulls and 15 interceptions, earning CIF-SS Division 1 Player of the Year honors.
“Ava is a star. Her ability to make big plays on both sides of the ball is testament to her hard work. Yes, Ava is talented and has great instincts, but her attention to detail in the film room and effort on the practice field is what sets her apart.”
— JSerra coach Brian Ong
📈 Flag Growth Focus
🔥 Diversifying Revenue Streams
The International Federation of American Football is expanding its commercial partnerships to reduce its 75% NFL revenue reliance and support flag football’s debut at LA28. By targeting new sponsors and revenue channels, IFAF aims to strengthen financial stability and fuel the sport’s global development.
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🔥 Gulf School Expansion
The San Francisco 49ers’ NextGen Flag Football program has been integrated into GEMS Education’s curriculum across 125,000 UAE students, marking the country’s first school-based flag football initiative. With full equipment, coaching support, and a planned expansion to more schools by 2026, this partnership drives grassroots growth ahead of regional inter-school tournaments.
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🔥 Local Varsity Milestone
Sequim High’s newly sanctioned girls varsity flag football team notched its first home victories and now leads the Olympic League at 5–1, highlighting rapid on-field development. State approval of girls flag football and dedicated access to Myron Teterud’s Field are boosting community engagement and laying the foundation for program expansion.
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⚡ FlagSnap Daily Blitz
Sequim High School’s inaugural girls varsity flag football team notched its first home wins with a 28-14 and 35-6 doubleheader sweep to reach 5–1 atop the Olympic League.
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Marana senior Malaysia Roebuck powered the Wildcats to a 6A semifinal berth and was named the conference Player of the Year.
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Freshman QB Isla Collins steered Salpointe to the 4A state championship and secured 4A Conference Player of the Year honors.
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Buena sophomore Deztany Toyota-Villalobos delivered standout performances throughout the season and was crowned 5A Conference Player of the Year.
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Salpointe’s Barrie Pedersen and Marana’s Shaun Lara were voted the 4A and 6A Conference Coaches of the Year, respectively.
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Palo Verde junior Esteri Susana hauled in top marks to earn 3A Conference Player of the Year recognition.
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Santa Rita’s Andre Bearden was honored as 3A Conference Coach of the Year after steering his team into the postseason.
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Marana freshman Isabella Garcia earned First Team All-Star honors as one of Arizona’s top young quarterbacks in the 6A Conference.
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Sunnyside senior Sadie Brown landed on the 6A First Team All-Star roster following a breakout season as a wide receiver.
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Rio Rico senior Jesanie Tapia was selected to the 4A First Team All-Stars for her versatility and big-play impact at running back.
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🏁 Final Whistle
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”
— Vince Lombardi
