Flag football championships return to Canton next month

About 300 teams representing all 32 NFL clubs will compete in the second annual flag football championships next month in Canton, Ohio.
The league announced details Thursday for the NFL Flag Championships from July 17-20, with 3,000 boys and girls participating across 12 divisions.
“We are thrilled to bring the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota back to Canton for the second consecutive year,” said Stephanie Kwok, NFL vice president and head of Flag Football. “The Championships are a strong showcase for the growth of flag football at the grassroots level across the country and around the world. Flag is inclusive and accessible for all, and we are excited to see the competition across all age groups at the 2025 NFL Flag Championships.”
Flag football continues to surge in popularity ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, where it will debut as an official sport in Los Angeles. The NFL announced last month that its players will be allowed to compete.
In the July event, eight international teams are participating, traveling from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
ESPN will showcase 15 games from the girls’ high school division, 15 from the boys’ under-14 division and three from the international tournament.
“The NFL Flag Championships are quickly becoming the ultimate summer showcase for one of the world’s fastest growing sports,” said Julie Sobieski, ESPN senior vice president of league programming and acquisitions. “For the second consecutive year, our presentation and expansive global distribution will spotlight the exceptional talent of the young boys and girls competing, while also celebrating the inclusive, fast-paced, and accessible nature of flag football. This year’s tournament will not only build upon the tremendous success of the inaugural event, but will also add to the sport’s immense momentum in recent years.”