The NFL and immersive technology company Cosm have announced an extension of their partnership that will see Cosm continue to produce and distribute live games in shared reality at their venues throughout the 2025 season and beyond.

This season, Cosm will again feature Thursday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, as well as an offering of games on CBS and FOX, at its venues in Los Angeles and Dallas. For the second consecutive year, Cosm will also showcase NFL postseason games, including Super Bowl LX.

“This multi-year partnership with the NFL and its broadcast partners underscores our shared commitment to fans,” said Jeb Terry, Cosm president and chief executive officer. “With multiple high-resolution immersive camera angles from the sideline to the end zone, integrated broadcaster commentary and live TV feeds, NFL gamedays at Cosm offer a unique shared reality experience where fans can celebrate watching NFL football together.”

NFL games debuted at Cosm during the 2024 NFL season on Cosm’s 87-foot-diameter, 12K+ LED domes. Cosm opened its first venue in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park, adjacent to SoFi Stadium, in July 2024, and second venue in Dallas at The Colony’s Grandscape in August 2024. The company will open its third venue in Atlanta’s Centennial Yards in early 2026, as well as its fourth venue in  Detroit later in the year. Cosm recently announced its fifth venue will anchor Cleveland’s Rock Block development, expected to open in 2027.

Cosm will kick off its slate of NFL games on September 4 with the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, along with Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. The Week 2 matchup between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers on September 11 will be the first Thursday Night Football game this season available in the Dome at Cosm.

Within a year’s time, more attention than ever will be focused on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

With the Super Bowl coming in February and then six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the stadium recently unveiled $200 million in renovations as it welcomed hundreds of season ticket holders for “Levi’s Stadium Under the Lights.”

“We were super proud and very grateful that the feedback was enormously positive,” said Stephanie Rogers, the San Francisco 49ers’ executive vice president of marketing. “Everybody has seen the construction happening at the stadium for several months. To show it off was a jolt of energy not only for season-ticket holders at the building but partners there who were able to see their hard work come to life.”

Levi’s Stadium, capacity 68,500, opened in 2014. The renovation project features new video boards over 70% larger than the previous boards. Other upgrades include new LED field lights, new Wi-Fi and cellular networks, over 120 renovated luxury suites and club spaces and a renovated team store.

“We’re all very proud and super grateful to have this opportunity,” in 2026, Rogers said. “When you talk to anybody who works in sports and you ask them what their bucket list events are, you’d be hard pressed to find anybody who doesn’t put a Super Bowl or World Cup among their top five. We know it’s a huge undertaking and a huge responsibility to deliver for the fans of these sports, and we are excited and proud of the chance to deliver it.”

Construction began last December with preparation starting the day after the 49ers regular season ended. Work was completed in July but planning for renovations began nearly two years ago.

“We have very consistent ongoing dialogue with everybody in the stadium, whether season ticket holders or suite holders or partners,” Rogers said. One example is that fans wanted more core football statistics on the video boards to see easily, so the 49ers worked to develop a video board layout that will ensure a spot with only football-specific content the whole game.

There are also plenty of small but noticeable touches intentional throughout the venue including the production control room, which has 49 monitors and was of big interest from season-ticket holders who had never seen the area before, Rogers said.

“One of the things that I’m really proud of for the team is that all the tech in the room is not out of date, it’s going to grow and evolve,” said Rogers, which is in part credit to the team’s partners in the Silicon Valley region. “What we’re trying to build here, we want to be sustaining the next 8-10 years the next wave of buildout.”

The venue hosted the Super Bowl in 2016 and next summer will host five FIFA World Cup group stage games and a round of 32 game. Rogers said since the venue opened, Levi’s Stadium has driven over $2 billion in estimated economic impact to the region. In 2026 alone it expects to drive $1 billion.

“I think having these events certainly was a motivation and a mark on the calendar,” Rogers said. “But also making these investments and enhancements to the fan experience not only sets us up well to deliver an incredible show for those massively global stages but also long-term, we want to solidify ourselves as a global sports and entertainment destination venue.”

Between the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup, there will not only be hundreds of thousands of fans attending the games but millions more around the world watching and seeing the venue. The 49ers also have global marketing arrangements in the United Kingdom, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates with a large fan base in Germany added in for even more eyeballs on Levi’s Stadium.

“I hope they see a venue that they immediately add to their bucket list if it isn’t already on there,” Rogers said. “We strive to deliver a fan experience that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. We want fans to come here from afar to enjoy Levi’s Stadium. When they’re watching the big game or any of the FIFA matches, I hope they see a stadium that’s gorgeous and technologically advanced and looks like a place they want to come and experience incredible sporting experiences for themselves.”

The San Francisco 49ers, in partnership with PepsiCo, have announced the implementation of reusable cups at Levi’s Stadium.

The initiative builds upon the venue’s sustainability reputation and expands on PepsiCo’s global efforts to advance sustainable packaging solutions while marking the company’s first reusable cup project with an NFL franchise.

The reusable cups debuted during the team’s first preseason game in the United Club and Graton Winners Club, which seat up to 6,500 fans combined. The cups can be easily returned to designated bins where they are collected to be sanitized and redistributed for reuse.

The program is projected to eliminate the need for tens of thousands of disposable single-use cups during the 10 home games at Levi’s Stadium this season.

“Sustainability has always been a core pillar of Levi’s Stadium, dating back to its early designs, and we are constantly trying to find new ways to reduce waste, consumption, and emissions,” said Kevin Hilton, 49ers vice president of corporate partnerships. “This reusable cup program not only reduces plastic waste, in addition to other behind-the-scenes practices, it also allows the Faithful to take an active role in our sustainability mission. We are proud to partner on this project alongside PepsiCo and appreciate their continued support of our sustainability initiatives.”

PepsiCo has engaged in several reusable cup efforts throughout the country. The company’s global sustainable packaging strategy includes a focus on reducing virgin plastic and designing packaging for circularity and supporting systems, such as recycling and reuse infrastructure, that can help reduce packaging waste.

“Advancing reuse requires collaboration and a systemic shift to help make the reusable option the most convenient and accessible option for consumers to enjoy their beverage,” said Burgess Davis, chief sustainability officer, PepsiCo North America. “Initiatives like this can provide important insights into how that shift can become a reality at scale while having an immediate impact in reducing waste.”

Bold Reuse is managing the collection, sanitization and redistribution of cups in partnership with Levy, the stadium’s hospitality provider.

The 49ers previously teamed with Levi Strauss to increase conservation efforts in the stadium. The team’s Faithful to the Planet initiative launched in 2023, dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation. The initiative supports the restoration of redwood trees, removal of ocean-bound plastic from rivers and planting of new trees across Africa.

In August 2014, Levi’s Stadium became the first professional football stadium to open with LEED Gold Certification, the recognized standard for measuring sustainability for design and construction.

The NFL will offer seven “NFL Experience” events during the opening weekend of the season with gatherings in Manchester, U.K.; Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Toronto and Brisbane.

The announcement comes ahead of NFL International Games across Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Germany and Brazil and the league’s upcoming game expansion into Ireland, Spain and Australia.

“Our international fan base is one of the fastest-growing communities in sports, and NFL Experience is our way to celebrate that passion and bring the excitement of NFL Kickoff directly to fans around the globe,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president, club business, international, and league events. “Through the success of the International Games and the passion we see from fans in markets around the world, it’s clear that the appetite for football has never been stronger. We’re building on that energy by creating more ways for fans to experience the game, helping make it a year-round, global NFL experience.”

The events will include live game screenings, interactive skills contests, local entertainment and food, NFL team and player experiences and more. Free registration is now open through the NFL OnePass app for giveaways including game tickets and other market-specific experiences. Fans who register and check in with NFL OnePass will have chances to win tickets to games including Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area on February 8, 2026.

NFL Experience Schedule & Locations

Rio de Janeiro: September 5, 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Armazém Utopia
Brisbane: September 6–7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Felons Barrel Hall
Manchester: September 7, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Courts Club
Berlin: September 7, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Uber Platz
Madrid: September 7, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Plaza de Oriente
Mexico City: September 4–7, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Frontón Bucareli
Toronto: September 7, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., The Parkdale Hall

The Detroit Lions and Bundesliga club FC Köln have announced a multi-year partnership to expand the global reach of both organizations, deepen fan engagement in the United States and Germany and collaborate across sports, community and commercial platforms.

The Lions and Köln will develop year-round initiatives including fan events and activations in both countries, including youth football and soccer clinics. The two franchises will create co-branded digital and social media content, driving fan engagement and storytelling across both fanbases. The partnership will also include cross-team access including hospitality, training camp visits and facility usage in both Detroit and Cologne.

“We are thrilled to launch our first international strategic partnership with 1. FC Köln to connect two incredible fanbases,” said Ashton Mullinix, senior vice president of consumer revenue and analytics for the Detroit Lions. “This collaboration brings together two teams with proud histories, resilient fanbases and unmatched loyalty from their communities… We are excited to grow the game of American football globally and create meaningful experiences for our fans both in the United States and Germany.”

FC Köln is a founding member of the Bundesliga and one of the biggest clubs in Germany. FC Köln won its first Bundesliga champions title in 1964 and won again in 1978. The club is a three-time German champion and four-time DFB-Pokal winner with over 150,000 members.

“Cologne and Detroit are not only linked by sport, but also by their history as an important location for the automotive industry,” said Philipp Liesenfeld, managing director at FC Köln. “In this case, both cities have historical links to the car manufacturer, Ford. New collaborations are an elementary building block for gaining new impetus, adopting new perspectives and tapping into new target groups. With the Detroit Lions, we have found an ideal partner to mutually expand our global reach and deepen fan engagement.”

The strategic partnership is one aspect of the Lions’ strategy to expand efforts in Germany as part of the club’s 2024 entry into the NFL‘s Global Markets Program, which awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S.

Experience Greater Green Bay has released the final economic impact report of the 2025 NFL Draft. Statewide, the total economic impact reached $104,789,486, surpassing the initial $94 million estimate.

The event, held April 24–26 in and around Lambeau Field and the Titletown campus, created a total economic impact in Brown County of $79,917,186, nearly $60 million over the original $20 million projection.

“The event put Green Bay on the international stage for three straight days,” said Brad Toll, president and chief executive officer of Discover Green Bay. “So many people and organizations across our great community made this happen, and we thank everyone for coming together to showcase Green Bay on the national stage.”

The estimated unique attendance was 362,588, according to Sportsimpacts’ research. The Sportsimpacts study also revealed 31% of attendees were from outside Wisconsin and 24% paid for overnight lodging. More than 83% of out-of-state visitors were first-time Green Bay travelers.

“We were so proud of the incredible atmosphere created during the NFL Draft in Green Bay,” said Gabrielle Dow, Packers vice president of marketing and fan engagement. “We worked hand-in-hand with so many local organizations and supporters during the planning process, and it was fantastic to see it all come together to result in such a positive experience for fans and visitors. Our partners at the NFL couldn’t have been happier with how the entire event unfolded.”

Attendees also left with improved perceptions of the region. More than 83 percent of survey respondents said Greater Green Bay either “greatly surpassed expectations” or was “better than expected.” Further research showed Draft exposure online had the equivalent of $50 million in paid advertising for Discover Green Bay.

“The power of NFL media exposure is real, and it’s transforming perceptions of our destination,” said Nick Meisner, vice president of marketing for Discover Green Bay. “This type of visibility will have a lasting impact on Brown County’s tourism industry.”

Research also revealed over 82 percent of survey respondents rated Green Bay as an “excellent” host city, while more than 70 percent rated Lambeau Field/Titletown as an “excellent” host venue. Among attendees who had been to previous NFL Drafts, 82 percent said this was “the best draft they have attended.”

“With Packers fans all over the world, we knew that hosting the NFL Draft in Green Bay would have a meaningful impact both locally and throughout the state of Wisconsin,” said Packers President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Murphy. “We know how special our community is, and we were proud to share its uniqueness with fans visiting for the Draft. While we’re pleased with the economic impact, the broader community impacts from the Draft will also leave a lasting legacy.”

One side is known for black and yellow, the other a mix of orange, green and red. One side was built on a reputation of steel and the other on a reputation of grit.

More than 280 miles stretch from one end of the commonwealth (do NOT call it a state) to the other. Through its mix of metropolitan regions and small-town Americana of one-way roads and no-stop-light towns, all of Pennsylvania will be on display in a way it seldom has been in the coming year.

“Pennsylvania is quite quickly becoming the epicenter of the sports world,” said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary in the office of tourism for the commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development. “There is no other state in 2026 offering this amount of events.”

The NFL Draft, PGA Championship, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup — it’s all in this part of the country in 2026. And yes, within the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States next summer there will be more than a little Pennsylvania involved.

“We want to tell everyone about all the things we offer here in the commonwealth,” said VisitPA Executive Director Kaitie Burger, “and welcome them back in years to come.”

You could even say that this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, part of a VisitPA trip SportsTravel took in June, was the opening course of a menu that started with a pepperoni roll in the Strip District and finished with a Primanti’s and an IC light.

Counting Down in Pittsburgh

The countdown clock sits in the middle of Pittsburgh’s stadium district, with the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium within a half-mile walk of the Pirates’ PNC Park. Ticking down by the second, it’s a constant reminder of the time left before the North Shore hosts the NFL Draft.

“The number is still high enough that it’s exciting,” said Jim Britt, vice president of SportsPittsburgh. “I’m sure as maybe we get down to two digits on there, it will drive some anxiety, but we have a remarkable team that’s working on the project from the Steelers, Visit Pittsburgh and we’re in incredible hands with the NFL.”

The Steel City is set to bring between 500,000 and 700,000 fans to Pittsburgh between April 23–25, 2026. The main portion of the event is expected to incorporate Pittsburgh’s North Shore and Point State Park, as well as Acrisure Stadium.

“We’ve seen what they do at the Super Bowl,” said Britt of the NFL. “We’ve seen what they do at the draft every year. They are the best of the best, and it’s our role in this to make sure that they have the local resources to make this an authentically Pittsburgh event.”

The Sister Bridges-inspired steel beam holding up the countdown clock features 212 engraved notches. One side represents regional programs that make up the area’s football legacy and the other showcases Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods. The draft marks a full circle moment for the city and the Steelers, as the beginnings of what would become the first draft took place in 1936 at the Fort Pitt Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s history may be of steel but the city is promoting its transformation into a tech and medical hub of the East Coast. That said, its history is part of its pride, from the stanchion of the old Three Rivers’ Stadium that still stands near the current home of the Steelers to the team’s Hall of Honor Museum. The museum, located within the stadium, stands not only as a telling of the team’s history but in many ways the history of the NFL with 30 Pro Football Hall of Famers born and raised in Western PA. In addition, 11 other NFL markets and 35 NCAA Division I football programs are within a half day’s drive.

“We are a year away from the largest event we’ve ever had,” Britt said. “And as you stand here right now, looking at this skyline, the river, you see the barges and the boats coming by, it’s impossible to not be excited about what this event will mean for the city.”

The World Comes to Philadelphia

Take one final sip of that coffee from Sheetz as you head east because once the draft is over and the calendar turns from April to May, it’s going to be One Big Hot Wawa Summer.

First up in May is the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, May 14–17, the second time the major has been at the course in Newtown Square. The club, which opened in 1928, will host the major one year after Valley Forge was the home for the PGA Tour Truist Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the oldest country club in the United States.

“We’ll have 200,000 next year for this championship,” said Mike Lewers, general chairman for the 2026 PGA Championship. “We sold out our daily ticket (capacity). There’s a ton of pent-up demand in Philadelphia — we saw it for the Truist. We’re ready for a major championship at Aronimink.”

Ryan, while at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, said golf in Pennsylvania is a $6.3 billion industry.

“It’s variety, it’s quality — across the state, Pennsylvania plays second to no one when it comes to golf courses,” Lewers said.

“(Pennsylvania is) unapologetic and rough around the edges in the most endearing way and when it comes to golf, we bring the polish and prestige,” Ryan added. “That juxtaposition is one thing that I love about Pennsylvania.”

Golf fans can be rowdy at times, true. But there may be no greater juxtaposition than having the golf industry heading out of Philadelphia in time for the international soccer fan base that will descend upon the City of Brotherly Love for six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Five will be in the group stage and one in the Round of 16 ever-so-conveniently scheduled for the Fourth of July.

“The international component of FIFA World Cup is where the opportunity lies,” said Meg Kane, host city executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “We are sharing hosting (East Coast) duties with New York/New Jersey, Boston, Toronto. We are an incredibly attractive destination because of our accessibility.”

Kane also noted the region will host a Fan Festival for 25,000 people per day at East Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill and plans are being explored to set three additional fan zones across the commonwealth. The region could also could potentially have team base camps both in Philadelphia and nearby Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Seventy percent of people who will travel for the FIFA World Cup don’t have tickets to a match,” Ryan said. “People are looking to be in the environment. Philadelphia, where we are located geographically, you don’t get another host city (to the West) until Atlanta or Kansas City. We have a really large part of people who might want to feel that World Cup energy and experience the environment. We’re going to be able to offer that.”

Once the World Cup carnival leaves town with the Round of 16 game on July 4, the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be in Philadelphia in what marks yet another Midsummer Classic aligned with American history for the city, which hosted in 1976 on the nation’s bicentennial.

The game will mark the city’s fifth time hosting and the first time the event will be staged at Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004. Shibe Park staged the Midsummer Classic in 1943 and 1952 while Veteran Stadium held the honors in 1976 and 1996.

“We’ve been at the table with Welcome America, with the city, with the Phillies, on how is this going to look like and how are we going to create this incredible customer experience,” Kane said. “We might have somebody coming to Philadelphia who’s a die-hard history buff who wants to go to Independence Hall, visit the Liberty Bell. So how do we make them feel welcome? We want people coming to the All-Star Game to come a little early, people who come to the World Cup to stay a little longer. Our goal is to get as many visitors to use Philadelphia as their hub for activity in 2026.”

The Bay Area Host Committee has announced a partnership with Visit Napa Valley — the official destination marketing organization of Napa Valley — and Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 550 wineries.

Through the partnership, Visit Napa Valley and Napa Valley Vintners will ensure that visitors to the Bay Area during Super Bowl LX and the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience Napa Valley wineries, hotels and businesses. Super Bowl LX will be held on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The venue will also be the site for six World Cup games in 2026, including its first game on June 13 and a Round of 32 matchup on July 1.

“Our partnership with Visit Napa Valley and Napa Valley Vintners reflects the essence of what the Bay Area Host Committee is all about — celebrating the entire region, creating meaningful connections across the Bay, delivering an experience that’s unforgettable at every level,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, president and chief executive officer of the Bay Area Host Committee.

The two organizations will welcome visitors to Napa Valley through local events, luxury experiences and promotions. The collaboration will include community activations and contribute to region-wide promotional efforts.

“We are thrilled to partner with Napa Valley Vintners in entering into this agreement with the Bay Area Host Committee,” said Linsey Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of Visit Napa Valley. “This collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity for Napa Valley to showcase its world-renowned wine and hospitality by welcoming visitors during these high-profile events. The Bay Area Host Committee is doing great work bringing prestigious sporting events to the region, and we are proud to help ensure that guests from near and far get a true taste of what Napa Valley has to offer in wine and hospitality while visiting the Bay Area.”

New Orleans & Company has announced that Super Bowl LIX, which took place February 9 at the Superdome, generated $1.25 billion in total economic activity statewide.

The data, produced by Louisiana Economic Development, showed that Super Bowl LIX more than doubled the impact of the 2013 New Orleans Super Bowl and ranked the 2025 edition as the second most financially impactful Super Bowl of all-time.

“Super Bowl LIX was more than a game; it was an economic catalyst and a powerful statement to the world that Louisiana is a premier destination for cultural enjoyment and business investment,” said Marcus Brown, New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee chairman.

Of the $1.25 billion, $658 million came in total spending by visitors and vendors, with $395 million in wages generated for Louisiana workers and $82.7 million in state and local tax revenue. Super Bowl LIX supported 9,787 local jobs statewide and had 115,000 total attendees, including 100,000 from out of state, representing 45 U.S. states and nine countries.

“New Orleans is one of America’s great sports cities — a shining example of culture, resiliency and community empowerment,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “By hosting its record-tying eleventh Super Bowl shortly after a national tragedy, the Big Easy showed us the power of coming together to achieve a common goal.”

The week also shattered tourism records, with 92 percent of visitors staying overnight with an average of 3.5 nights and widespread increases in spending across the hospitality and retail sectors.

“This Super Bowl was more than just a game. It was reflective of everything that makes our community so special,” said Gayle Benson, New Orleans Saints owner. “As we celebrate the incredible financial impact hosting a Super Bowl has on our economy, I look forward to quickly bringing everyone back together so that we can secure another Super Bowl in the immediate future.”

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.”