USA Football has been named a national governing body by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, marking a significant moment for flag football ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. As the 38th Summer Olympics national governing body, USA Football will oversee all aspects related to selecting, training, and supervising the U.S. men's and women's national teams, with the support of the NFL.
The road to becoming a national governing body involved steps such as financial audits and demonstrating commitment to athlete safety standards. The popularity of flag football has surged, with NFL players expressing interest in making the Olympic roster. The women's game has seen significant growth, with many states sanctioning high school girls' flag football as a varsity sport. Under rules set by the International Federation of American Football, flag football at the LA Olympics will feature five-on-five gameplay on a 50 by 25-yard field, with Team USA already showcasing dominance on the international stage in previous world championships.