NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota Return to Canton

NFL and RCX Sports Partner to Activate Second Annual Flag Football Tournament; ESPN to Feature Extensive Coverage
All 32 NFL clubs will be represented in Canton, OH

NEW YORK – WEBWIRE – Friday, January 31, 2025

The National Football League announced today that the NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota will return to Canton, Ohio, on July 17-20.

As the worlds premier youth flag football tournament, this years event will feature an estimated 300 girls and boys teams from NFL Flag regional tournaments from across the country. All 32 NFL clubs, in partnership with RCX Sports, will host an NFL Flag Regional tournament to select the top youth teams in the region to represent them at the NFL Flag Championships.

The NFL Flag Championships will once again include an international division, with boys and girls competing for the 14-and-under tournament. NFL Flag, operated by RCX Sports, will once again activate the three-day competition on the grounds of the Unrivaled Sports ForeverLawn Fields.

“The NFL Flag Championships represent the premiere event for youth flag football, and we are excited that our partners at ESPN are further strengthening their commitment this year” said Stephanie Kwok, NFL vice president of flag football. “Were continuing to see participation in flag football accelerate at every level – from youth to girls high school and college, as well as internationally. Our priority is providing more opportunities for youth to play flag football and compete at every level – and its due to the support of the NFL clubs and our partners that we can provide this unique showcase”

ESPN will provide LIVE coverage of the showcase, beginning with the round of 16 for 14U boys and 17U girls. Games will appear on multiple platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and ESPN YouTube, and will also be available to stream on NFL+. The Championship finals will expand to additional Disney platforms, including ABC, Disney Channel, Disney XD and ESPN Deportes and streaming on Disney+, ESPN+ and NFL+, ensuring wide exposure for both the boys and girls games. Coverage of the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota will be available in over 125 countries on ESPN branded networks including Mexico, Brazil, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Netherlands, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.

As we build upon the success of the inaugural NFL Flag Championships, ESPN and Disney are thrilled to showcase talented and diverse youth athletes again this summer, said Tim Reed, ESPN vice president of league programming and acquisitions.The boys 14U and girls 17U tournaments will be showcased equallyacross ESPN and Disney platforms throughout our three consecutive days of coverage, with the camaraderie, accessibility and inclusivity of flag football on full display. The signature event aligns with one of ESPNs core priorities of encouraging youth sport participation while highlighting the NFLs incredible efforts around flag football.

Last year, the inaugural NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota was a resounding success, quickly establishing itself as the premier youth flag tournament. The event brought together top girls and boys flag football players from across the country and around the world, showcasing exceptional talent and competition on an international stage.

As flag football continues to gain momentum globally, the NFL FLAG Championships continue to be a premier platform for showcasing the next generation of football talent, said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports, the exclusive operating partner of NFL Flag. This year, expanded distribution and exposure through our partnership with ESPN will bring these incredible games to even more fans worldwide, highlighting its global impact. Its inspiring to see young athletes from across the U.S. and world come together in Canton to celebrate the inclusivity and excitement of flag football as we continue pushing the game to new heights.

Flag footballs rapid growth and popularity is also celebrated in an exhibit inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Last year the event brought many spectators to the Hall of Fame, including the flag participants.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is pleased to be working with the National Football League and its partners as they bring the NFL Flag Championships back to Canton for a second year, said Jim Porter, President & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Everyone at the Hall considered Year 1 a resounding success, and our team is eager to introduce this years participants and their families to members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to hear how the game of football however it is played develops important character values they can call on for the rest of their lives.

Flag footballs inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games led by efforts of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL and RCX, further underscores its rapid growth. Flag football is the worlds fastest-growing sport, played by over 20 million people in more than 100 countries, across six continents. It is the most inclusive and accessible format of football, played by people of all ages and genders, with female athletes driving some of the fastest growth. Pro Football Hall of Famers as well as Global Flag Ambassadors will make appearances at the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota to promote the growth of flag football and bring awareness to the event.

We are honored to host the NFL Flag Championships and to welcome these flag football athletes and families from around the world, shared Michael Crawford, President and CEO of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, Hall of Fame Villages parent company. Hosting this type of youth sporting event at our world-class sports complex directly speaks to our Mission, which is to Honor the Past and Inspire the Future. Youth Flag Football athletes of all skill levels will be competing at the highest level in the shadows of the place that houses to best to ever play the game.

For more information on NFL Flag football and to find a league in your neighborhood, please visitnflflag.com

About NFL Flag:

NFL Flag is an NFL-licensed property of more than 2,000 locally operated leagues and over 750,000 youth athletes across all 50 states and Canada. NFL Flag is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL Flag.

NFL Flag has a presence across 15 international markets outside of the United States. Fast paced and accessible for all, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports globally with women and girls leading some of the largest growth and increased participation. The game provides a structured opportunity for youth to play the non-contact version of American football while discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship both on and off the field.

Learn more online at nflflag.com. 

ABOUT RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA. As the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them, RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports. For more information, visit rcxsports.com.

ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Greatest of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence Together.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museums commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experiencean inspirational, interactive museum that chronicles Americas most popular sport. Fans can also enjoy the Hall of Fame Store at the Hall, and online at shop.profootballhof.com, for merchandise from all 32 NFL clubs plus the Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the Store support the Halls Mission.

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