The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has confirmed that flag football will make its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, subject to final approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board. This announcement follows a vote by the Los Angeles City Council, which approved the venue plan for LA28.

The event will be held at The Stadium, located in Exposition Park, an iconic venue that shares a campus with the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has hosted Olympic ceremonies and competitions three times.

FLAG FOOTBALL, A YOUNG DISCIPLINE

Pierre Trochet, president of the IFAF, highlighted the importance of this achievement for the sport. According to Trochet, flag football will not only be an exciting spectacle at the Games, but will also offer a unique experience for athletes and fans.

The flag football tournament at LA28 will be set against the stunning backdrop of the downtown Los Angeles skyline and will take place in a festive atmosphere at Exposition Park. The Stadium, recognized as one of the world’s most advanced sports and entertainment venues, will be the perfect setting to showcase this explosive, fan-centric sport.

A SPORT WITH LOCAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT

Andy Fuller, IFAF Director General, underlined the flexibility of flag football as a discipline. The sport can be played both indoors and outdoors, and even in temporary structures, making it a versatile option for the Olympic Games.

In addition, Fuller highlighted flag football’s strong community roots and its social impact, especially in Los Angeles, where the proposed stadium also serves as a year-round community resource.

FLAG FOOTBALL DRIVEN BY WOMEN

The global growth of flag football has been largely driven by women and girls, which naturally connects it to The Stadium, home to one of the most valuable and fastest-growing women’s sports franchises in the world.