Premier Flag to launch with pro salaries before 2028 Olympics

The NFL and TMRW Sports announced on Monday the creation of Premier Flag, a new professional league for men and women that will launch in the summer of 2027. The organization aims to provide elite flag football players with salaries, coaching, and health benefits, allowing them to leave day jobs to focus on the sport year-round.

This development comes as flag football prepares for its first appearance at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. The new league is designed to serve as a professional standard for the sport in the interim. Brian Flinn, the NFL’s senior vice president of global flag football, stated that the launch establishes the pinnacle of the sport's growing global pathway.

The league is currently finalizing its structure, including the number of teams and the salary model. The host city for the inaugural season has not yet been announced. TMRW Sports is collaborating with IFAF, the international governing body, to test rules, formats, and equipment for the competition.

Several high-profile athletes have already joined the initiative as ambassadors. The group includes Ashlea Klam and Izzy Geraci, stars of the USA Football women’s national team, along with Darrell “Housh” Doucette III from the men’s side. Doucette described the opportunity as a major payoff for the time and money the athletes invested in their careers.

“Means the world to us as flag players,” Doucette said. “We can finally be paid for the sport we invested so much money and time in. The sacrifices we had to make to be great players have finally paid off, and we are excited for the new opportunity.”

TMRW Sports, which also operates the TGL indoor golf league, describes Premier Flag as a data-driven approach to the pro standard. The company held a combine at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last month. Top athletes from that event will advance to a Premier Flag Combine next year. Another talent identification event is scheduled for November in Mexico City.

A Premier Flag Showcase will take place during Super Bowl week in Los Angeles. Scott Hallenbeck, CEO of USA Football, said the league provides a new professional opportunity for national team athletes and aspiring players. The NCAA is set to vote in January on making flag football a championship sport, with a potential title game in spring 2028.