When the Los Angeles Games open their doors in July 2028, a new kind of gridiron battle will make its first appearance on the Olympic stage. Flag football, a non‑contact variant of American football, has been selected for inclusion, promising a fast‑paced, high‑scoring spectacle that differs markedly from the traditional tackle version.
A Non‑Contact Twist on a Classic Sport
The competition will feature separate men’s and women’s tournaments, each limited to six national squads. Games are built around a compact format: five players per side take the field and play two halves lasting twenty minutes each, creating a rhythm that emphasizes speed, strategy and precision over brute force.
Venue and Timing
All matches are slated to be staged at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park, a venue already shared by Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC. The tournament window runs from July 15 through July 22, giving athletes a concentrated window to showcase the sport before a global audience.
Broadcast and Viewing Options
Fans will be able to follow every drive and touchdown live through Peacock and the NBC family of platforms, which will stream the events across their websites and mobile apps, ensuring that viewers across the United States can tune in regardless of their cable subscriptions.
Looking Ahead
The addition of flag football underscores the International Olympic Committee’s push to diversify its program and attract younger, more globally engaged audiences. By presenting a version of the sport that requires less equipment and can be played in a variety of settings, organizers hope to broaden participation and cement football’s place in the Olympic family.