The NFL is collaborating with TMRW Sports, the venture founded by golf stars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, to launch a new professional flag football league called Premier Flag Football (PFF). The league is scheduled to debut in the summer of 2027, with plans for men's and women's divisions.
This initiative follows the NFL's earlier announcement of its involvement in a new flag football league. The official reveal of the PFF's name and logo occurred on Monday, aligning with the sport's growing global recognition and its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
According to ESPN, stadium developer Populous is designing the league's inaugural stadium, which will be the first purpose-built facility for flag football. Brendan Donohue, president of flag football for TMRW Sports, stated that Premier Flag aims to be the premier destination for elite flag football athletes, offering world-class training, conditioning, nutrition, and coaching.
"The Premier Flag brand represents where flag football is headed -- elite, global and accessible -- while setting a professional standard for the sport’s growing ecosystem," Donohue said. "When we launch next summer, fans will have the opportunity to see these amazing athletes perform at their best."
The NFL's Senior Vice President of Global Flag Football, Brian Flinn, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that Premier Flag represents a significant step in the sport's development. "Together with TMRW Sports, we're building a global platform to showcase the world's top flag football players and to engage fans in a premium experience," Flinn added.
The league's first event will be a Premier Flag Showcase in Los Angeles during Super Bowl LXI. TMRW Sports secured the rights to the league in February after a competitive bidding process, as reported by Sportico.
Flag football has seen a surge in popularity, attributed in part to its lower risk of injury compared to tackle football. Data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association indicates a 15 percent increase in participation from 2019 to 2024.