USA Football has been named a national governing body by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), marking a significant moment for flag football ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The organization becomes the 38th Summer Olympics national governing body and will oversee all aspects of American football, including selecting, training, and supervising the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams. With the support of the NFL, USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck described the certification as a historic and exciting moment for the sport.
The road to becoming a national governing body involved a thorough audit conducted by the USOPC compliance team to ensure financial capabilities, athlete safety standards, and commitment to the Olympic community. The popularity of flag football has surged following its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic program, attracting interest from NFL players like Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes. The NFL's involvement has boosted the game's global competitiveness, with USA Football's board of directors having ties to NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts, emphasizing the sport's growth potential.