Full Breakdown
Fanatics Flag Football Classic: A New Era for the Sport
3/13/2026, 2:06:04 AM
Event Overview and Relocation
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a collaborative event from Fanatics Studios, Tom Brady, and FOX Sports, is set to take place on March 21, 2024, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Originally scheduled for Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event was relocated due to ongoing military operations in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This inaugural competition marks Brady's return to a football field following his retirement in 2023 and will feature prominent NFL stars.
Competition Format and Participants
The Flag Football Classic will showcase a unique competition format with three 12-player teams. Two teams will consist of NFL stars, while the third team will represent the USA Football’s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion men’s national team. The Founders FFC will be captained by Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, coached by Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos. The Wildcats FFC will include Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, coached by Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
The player pool features notable athletes, including running backs Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara, and defensive players like Myles Garrett and Derwin James Jr. Additionally, world-class entertainers such as Logan Paul and Terrence "Bud" Crawford will participate.
Official Statements and Insights
Tom Brady expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "Having Team USA as the third team in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic elevates the already world-class talent participating in this tournament. I’m fired up to see how these teams stack up, and the fact that we’ll be playing in the same stadium that will host flag football during the Olympics will show the world a preview of what’s to come in 2028." He emphasized his competitive spirit, asserting, "I’m not coming back to the football field to lose."
Event Details and Broadcast
The Flag Football Classic will be broadcast live on FOX Sports, FOX One, and Tubi from 4-8:30 p.m. ET on March 21. Fanatics will also stream the event internationally on its YouTube channel. The event will be hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, with commentary from comedian Druski. The games will adhere to modified Olympic-style flag football rules, featuring two 15-minute halves on a 50-by-25-yard field, with a round-robin format leading to a championship match.
Conclusion
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic represents a significant step in promoting flag football as a competitive sport, particularly as it prepares for its Olympic debut in 2028. With a blend of NFL talent and entertainment, the event aims to captivate audiences and elevate the profile of flag football on a global stage.
