Unrivaled Flag will host the inaugural Gold Jacket Classic in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 31 at Unrivaled Sports’ ForeverLawn Park in Canton, Ohio.

The one-day tournament will feature boys’ and girls’ flag football divisions from 6U through 17U featuring pool play, playoffs, and championship rounds. Top teams in each division will receive a half-paid bid to the 2026 Youth Flag Football World Championships and follows Unrivaled Flag’s High School Girls Nationals in June.

Timed to coincide with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Weekend and the official kickoff of the 2025 NFL preseason, each registered athlete will receive a ticket to the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions preseason game, admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a seat at the 2025 Hall of Fame Enshrinement and a chance to earn a half-paid bid to the 2026 Youth Flag Football World Championships at Disney next February.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is proud to be teaming with Unrivaled to bring another premier flag football event to the region,” said Jim Porter, president and chief executive officer of the Hall of Fame. “And for it to coincide with the opening of the 106th NFL season will make it even more special to the young players who can see legends from today’s game and elite Hall of Fame members.”

Unrivaled Sports will host its inaugural Unrivaled Flag High School Girls’ Nationals June 14–15 at ForeverLawn Park, adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The event is a first-of-its-kind invitational that will feature two competitive divisions and capitalizes on the growth of girls’ flag football across the country.

This year’s nationals will feature the 5v5 Open Division on June 14, including round-robin play, playoffs and championships. The 7v7 Division will run across both days, with championships on June 15.

The top two teams in each division will earn bids to the 2026 Youth World Championships. The event will also have off-the-field experiences and an awards ceremony for the first- and second-place teams and tournament MVP for each division.

The tournament includes high school girls’ flag football teams from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada and New York. Each team was invited based on competitive performance and regional representation.

In 2025, 81,000 youth athletes will participate in Unrivaled Flag programming — a 25 percent increase from years prior. Unrivaled Sports hosts 39 flag tournaments and development experiences and operates 213 leagues across 21 states, with flag programming active in 33 states overall.

Ashlea Klam — member of the USNFT Women’s National Team and NFL Global Flag Ambassador (Houston Texans) — will also be on the sidelines as the event ambassador.

Ed McCaffrey has long known success on the football field. From his college days in Stanford, where he met his wife who was an accomplished soccer player for the university as well, to his playing days with the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos from 1991 through 2003, his career found him as teammates with other legends of the sport and in rare company. His Super Bowl win with the 49ers and two victories with the Broncos put him in the game’s elite — plus a fourth ring from the Broncos as a team broadcaster during their most recent victory at Super Bowl 50.

But it was Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego when the Broncos upset the favored Green Bay Packers — think John Elway helicoptering his way into the end zone — that put the Colorado franchise over the hump after several tough Super Bowl losses years earlier. After his playing days, McCaffrey stayed involved in the sport, coaching at the high school and college level in Colorado and raising four sons who played college football, with three now in the NFL as either players or coaches, including Christian McCaffrey, who was a Heisman runner-up at Stanford and remains one of the game’s elite players.

In this conversation we talk with Ed about his playing days and what it was like to travel the NFL circuit with his teammates, his approach to getting his kids involved in sports, his background running youth sports camps, the inclusion of flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games and his burgeoning food empire that once featured his own breakfast cereal and now focuses on mustards, horseradish products and protein snacks. It’s a revealing conversation with someone who remains a hero in the towns in which he played.

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Since flag football was approved to make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, there’s been one question on everybody’s mind: will NFL players be eligible?

That answer is yes, as today the 32 NFL owners voted unanimously to permit the participation of its players at the Spring League Meeting in Eagan, Minnesota.

“It’s an incredible honor for any athlete to represent their country in the Olympics,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “I know first-hand that the inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has sparked a tremendous amount of excitement among NFL players interested in the chance to compete for their country on the world stage. We are thrilled that they will now have that chance.”

The approved resolution authorizes the league to work with the NFL Players Association, the International Federation of American Football and the relevant Olympic authorities to implement rules governing the participation of NFL players.

“On behalf of USA Football, I’d like to thank NFL clubs for approving the resolution allowing NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles when flag football debuts on the Olympic stage,” said Scott Hallenbeck, chief executive officer and executive director of USA Football. “USA Football has had extensive discussions with the NFL on the potential of player participation, and we’re thrilled to see those efforts become a reality.

“As the national governing body of American football, we have a tremendous responsibility ahead of us — selecting, training and leading the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams for LA28.”

Olympic rosters will be selected by each country’s national Olympic committees based on the proposal by the respective national federations. The Olympic flag football competition will consist of six men’s teams and six women’s teams composed of 10 players per team, with the game itself a five-on-five format.

“I warmly welcome the outcome of this vote, which promises to add another dimension to what is already shaping up to be a game-changing debut for flag football at the Olympic Games,” said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. “The National Football League is home to the biggest stars in American football, who come from more and more countries, and now have the opportunity to shine on the greatest stage in world sport, showcasing everything that makes flag football a genuine worldwide phenomenon.”

NFL player participation with their country’s national flag football teams will begin with a tryout or qualification process in advance of the Olympic competition.

“Players have expressed to us a great desire for the honor of competing in the Olympics, and we’re excited that our members will be able to represent their country on the highest international stage,” said Lloyd Howell Jr., NFL Players Association executive director. “We look forward to working with the league, IFAF, and Olympic authorities on the terms of their participation to ensure players who compete will do so with protections to their health, safety and job.”

Flag football is governed internationally by the IOC-recognized IFAF, which has 75 national member federations spanning every continent. A record 31 nations participated in the most recent IFAF Flag Football World Championships, and the sport has rapidly grown, now with 20 million players around the world.

“There is no question that the 2028 Flag Football tournament at the LA28 Games will be one of the most exciting competitions in Olympic history, and the inclusion of NFL players will bring it to new heights,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “This milestone would not have been possible without the support of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players Association, its club owners and most importantly, the athletes, who we’ll look forward to watching on the field in 2028.”

USA Football will host a series of flag football events at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, from June 20–22 to strengthen international competition in preparation for the sport’s introduction at the 2028 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles.

More than 750 athletes representing 10 countries will compete as part of USA Football’s Summer Series. The Junior International Cup and Select Bowl run from June 20–22 and June 21–22, respectively, followed by International Bowl from June 21–22.

“As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympics, USA Football will bring a preview of flag football’s exciting, fast-paced international style to Los Angeles,” said USA Football Chief Executive Officer Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re proud to return to Dignity Health Sports Park to host the largest collection of international teams we’ve ever assembled. With flag football’s Olympic debut on the horizon in LA28, Summer Series previews the sport’s global excitement and momentum. The week of international competition is part of USA Football’s efforts to strengthen and lead one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”

At the Junior International Cup, USA Football’s 15U and 17U Girls’ and Boys’ National Teams will compete against teams from Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea. The Select Bowl is part of USA Football’s National Team Development Program, which fields Select Teams across several age divisions.

The week concludes with International Bowl from June 21–22, featuring the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams competing against Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel and Japan. The international friendlies will help the national teams prepare for competitions this summer, including when the women compete at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, and both teams defend their continental crowns at the 2025 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship.

All events follow the International Federation of American Football’s 5-on-5 rules that will be used in the Olympics.

“We’re grateful to host USA Football at Dignity Health Sports Park for the second year,” said Katie Pandolfo, general manager, Dignity Health Sports Park. “It’s an opportunity that reflects the flexibility of our site and its enduring role as a premier venue for athletic excellence. As we look ahead to LA28 and flag football’s Olympic debut, where we will host archery, rugby sevens, tennis, field hockey, and track cycling, this continued partnership underscores our commitment to supporting world-class competition and community engagement.”

Sam Rapoport Joins USA Football as Senior Advisor

USA Football has named Sam Rapoport as Senior Advisor. Rapoport is a longtime NFL league office executive known for her work behind the league’s gender equity movement and created the NFL Women’s Forum.

“Sam joining our team couldn’t come at a better time for USA Football,” said Hallenbeck. “She will be critical to our efforts as we bring Team USA Flag Football to the Olympics in 2028.”

Prior to spending the last decade with the NFL, Rapoport spent 2010—2016 with USA Football, leading the NFL Flag program and U.S. National Teams. Rapoport is a former football quarterback, playing flag and tackle disciplines her whole life. She previously led Team Canada to an international championship.

“I know first-hand the impact that football can have on and off the field and have dedicated my entire life to sharing that with others,” said Rapoport. “I’m thrilled to be working with USA Football again at such a critical time for the sport’s growth, especially with the increasing opportunities for girls and women.”

The Calgary Stampeders have announced Karen Dommett as the executive director of the 2026 Grey Cup, the championship game for the Canadian Football League.

The 113th Grey Cup will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on November 15, 2026. The venue has hosted the Grey Cup five previous times, most recently in 2019. The 2025 Grey Cup will take place at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on November 16.

“Karen brings with her a wealth of experience in major event planning, strategic leadership and community engagement and we’re very excited that she will be spearheading planning for the 2026 Grey Cup,” said Stampeders President Jay McNeil. “Her impressive track record includes delivering large-scale sporting and cultural events across Canada and we’re confident her vision and energy will make the 2026 Grey Cup an unforgettable celebration for our fans, our city and the entire CFL community.”

Dommett served as general manager of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. She was previously manager of athlete services for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer and has also worked for the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the athletic programs at Olds College and the University of Saskatchewan.

“I deeply believe that major sporting events have the power to reflect and influence the type of society we all deserve,” said Dommett. “There is no better event than the historic Grey Cup and no better city than Calgary to showcase, celebrate and invite all Canadians to come together for a shared and memorable experience. I’m honored to lead the efforts, alongside Jay McNeil and the Calgary Stampeders, to create lasting legacies in our community through the 2026 Grey Cup.”

USA Flag, one of the largest operators of flag football tournaments, has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Athletes Hospitality to provide customized housing solutions and logistical support for all of USA Flag’s tournaments and camp series.

“USA Flag is thrilled to partner with Athletes Hospitality,” said Charles Davis, co-founder and president of USA Flag. “We believe they will be a crucial partner in helping our athletes and teams find the best hotel accommodations during their travel to our events.”

USA Flag has 13 tournaments, over 30 camps and tens of thousands of athletes and families attending events across the country. It claims to have set a Guinness World Record for the largest flag football tournament at their World Championships in January.

“All of us at Athletes Hospitality could not be more energized to partner with USA Flag at the most exciting time in the history of flag football,” said Nicholas Daniello, president of Athletes Hospitality. “Our role in youth sports travel is to maximize time and revenue for our Partners, while always providing the best travel solutions and savings for the participants. Teaming up with USA Flag will allow us to take hospitality to the next level in one of the fastest growing sports on the planet.”

USA Football has been certified as the official national governing body for the sport by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, marking a milestone for the organization ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

USA Football oversees all aspects of American football including selecting, training and leading the national teams in both tackle and flag football. USA Football has already been recognized by the International Federation of American Football. USA Football is the 52nd national governing body in the U.S. Olympic movement and the 38th NGB on the summer side.

“Being formally certified as the National Governing Body is a historic achievement, tremendous honor and incredible responsibility, as flag football’s Olympic debut draws closer,” said USA Football Chief Executive Officer Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re also grateful to the NFL and all our partners for their continued support and belief in our mission. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches and entire organization. Our commitment to this great game and its growing community has never been stronger. Team USA flag football competing in LA 2028 will inspire athletes worldwide to advance and grow the sport — in both flag and tackle football.”

USA Football and its partners’ efforts to grow the sport have resulted in the expansion of high school girls’ flag football, which is now recognized as a varsity sport in 14 states. The NCAA is also exploring flag football as part of its “Emerging Sports for Women” program, a clear indicator of the sport’s growing presence in collegiate athletics and beyond.

“We are pleased to welcome USA Football to the USOPC family of national governing bodies and can’t wait to see these great athletes take the field as Team USA at LA28,” said USOPC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland. “The process of becoming a NGB requires demonstrating great commitment to the athletes, to the sport, and to the Olympic and Paralympic community. We thank the leadership and staff at USA Football for supporting those principles and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Hirshland told media during a teleconference later Thursday afternoon that the idea of NFL players participating in the 2028 Games would be a “multi-pronged process going forward” with multiple stakeholders, including USA Football, IFAF, the IOC and the NFL.

The Dome at America’s Center, home of the St. Louis Battlehawks, will host the 2025 UFL Championship Game on June 14, the second year in a row that the venue will host the league title game.

St. Louis hosted the inaugural UFL Championship Game in 2024 when the Birmingham Stallions defeated the San Antonio Brahmas 25-0 in front of 27,396 fans to win their third consecutive championship. St. Louis led the UFL in attendance last year, averaging 34,365 spectators for its five home games.

“St. Louis is beyond thrilled to host this year’s UFL championship game,” said Ed Skapinok, Explore St. Louis chief commercial officer. “The energy and passion of our fans are second to none and this event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our city on a national stage. The economic impact of hosting the game is significant — from hotel bookings and restaurant traffic to job creation and media exposure.”

UFL Owner Dany Garcia and UFL President and Chief Executive Officer Russ Brandon made the announcement at halftime of Sunday’s Battlehawks home game against the D.C. Defenders.

“We’re proud to bring the 2025 UFL Championship back to St. Louis — a city that continues to show an incredible passion for football,” said Garcia. “The energy in The Dome, the commitment of the Battlehawks organization, and the fierce loyalty of their fans made this an easy decision. St. Louis has built something special and it’s become a key part of what the UFL is all about. We’re excited to celebrate this moment with a community that’s helped shape the league’s future and capture its soul.”

The Dome at America’s Center opened in 1995 and was the home for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams from 1995 to 2015. The venue also hosted the 2005 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, Big 12 Championship Game in 1996 and multiple big-name concerts and conventions.

“St. Louis represents both the heart of this country and the heart of the UFL,” said Brandon. “We are proud that we will once again be hosting our championship game in this football capital and the great state of Missouri that has been a strong supporter of America’s game for over a century.”