The NFL is preparing to roll out professional flag football leagues for both men and women within the next two years according to Commissioner Roger Goodell, who made this announcement at the Leaders in Sport conference held at Twickenham Stadium in London.

The planned leagues are expected to launch before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking the debut of flag football at the Games.

“We’re committed to creating a women’s professional league, and a men’s professional flag league,” Goodell stated. “We’ve received considerable interest, and I fully anticipate that we will be able to initiate these leagues in the coming years.”

Goodell highlighted the existing demand, noting that schools and universities are eager to incorporate flag football into their programs.

“Creating a structured pathway, which includes youth leagues progressing to high school and into college, would establish a scalable system. This infrastructure is crucial,” he noted.

Return to Mexico City in 2026

After being absent from the NFL’s international game rotation during the renovations of Azteca Stadium in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Mexico City will once again host NFL games next year, which Goodell expressed excitement over.

The league is this season playing a record seven international games, with six in Europe and one taking place in Brazil. Goodell reaffirmed the objective to elevate the number of international games to 16, with Asia identified as a future target region. Australia has already been earmarked for a game next season.

“For a global presence, expansion beyond Europe and the Americas is essential,” Goodell commented. “Next year, we’ll reach Australia, with a plan to extend to Asia soon after.”

Goodell advocates that football can act as a unifying influence in communities.

“Amidst various political challenges and adverse circumstances such as war, football and sports in general can bring people together, which is something we desperately need more of,” he remarked.

Reporting by The Associated Press. For tailored updates, create or log in to your FOX Sports account to follow leagues, teams, and players!

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