LOS ANGELES, CA — A star-studded mix of NFL talent, entertainers and global athletes will take center stage Saturday when the Fanatics Flag Football Classic kicks off at BMO Stadium, offering a high-profile glimpse into a rapidly growing sport on the verge of its Olympic debut.
The March 21 event, produced by Fanatics Studios in association with Tom Brady and Shadow Lion, will be televised by FOX Sports. It serves as both a showcase and a statement for flag football, which has surged to more than 20 million participants worldwide and is set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Saturday’s tournament also marks Brady’s return to the field since his retirement following the 2023 NFL season, though this time in a different format and alongside an eclectic mix of talent.
“I’m excited to be back out there competing again, even if it’s a different kind of game,” Brady said. “Flag football is growing fast, and this event shows how much talent and excitement the sport can bring to a global stage.”
The tournament features three teams: the Founders FFC, Wildcats FFC and the reigning IFAF world champion U.S. Men’s National Team. Team captains Brady and Jalen Hurts lead the Founders, while Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow headline the Wildcats.
Both squads were assembled during a lively draft event hosted by Kevin Hart and Druski, where playful banter and competitive energy set the tone for the weekend. Among the more notable exchanges was lighthearted smack talk between Brady and Logan Paul, who now find themselves on opposing sides.
The Wildcats roster boasts playmakers such as Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr. and Davante Adams, while the Founders counter with stars including Alvin Kamara, Stefon Diggs and Rob Gronkowski.
In addition to the on-field competition, the event has taken on a festival-like atmosphere. Players and guests gathered ahead of the tournament to dine on popular Los Angeles spots and participate in activations, including the Oakley Cactus Jack Pre-Draft Outpost portrait studio, where athletes modeled exclusive draft shades.
“It’s not just about football — it’s about culture, entertainment and bringing different audiences together,” said Michael Rubin. “We’re creating something that reflects where sports are headed, and flag football is a huge part of that future.”
The U.S. Men’s National Team enters as the betting favorite, with Fanatics Markets listing it at a 45% implied probability to win, followed by the Wildcats and Founders. Members of Team USA were present during draft festivities, observing their competition as they prepare to defend their global standing.
With Olympic stakes looming in 2028 — also at BMO Stadium — Saturday’s event offers an early preview of the sport’s evolution and its appeal across traditional and nontraditional audiences alike.
From elite quarterbacks to social media stars, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic blends competition with spectacle, signaling a new chapter for football in a format designed for speed, accessibility and global reach.
