NEW YORK -- The National Football League announced today the NFL FLAG teams and players that will represent all 32 NFL clubs at the second annual NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota, the world's premiere youth flag football tournament, from July 17-20, at ForeverLawn Park by Unrivaled Sports at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. The Championships, operated by RCX Sports, will feature approximately 300 NFL FLAG regional winning teams of girls and boys participating across 12 divisions, including eight international teams.
"We are thrilled to bring the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota back to Canton for the second consecutive year," said Stephanie Kwok, NFL vice president, head of Flag Football. "The Championships are a strong showcase for the growth of flag football at the grassroots level across the country and around the world. Flag is inclusive and accessible for all, and we are excited to see the competition across all age groups at the 2025 NFL Flag Championships."
ESPN, ABC, Disney and the NFL will provide coverage, spanning 33 hours from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20. ESPN will showcase 15 games from the girls high school division, 15 games from the boys under-14 division and three games from the international tournament. The championship games on Sunday for the 14u boys and high school girls divisions will be available across seven platforms: ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and NFL+.
The NFL Flag Championships will be available in more than 125 countries, including live coverage in Mexico, Brazil, throughout Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Fans in the Netherlands and the Pacific Islands will also be able to consume coverage of the event on ESPN branded networks. For more ways to watch the 2025 NFL Flag Championships, click here.
"The NFL Flag Championships are quickly becoming the ultimate summer showcase for one of the world's fastest growing sports," said Julie Sobieski, ESPN senior vice president of league programming and acquisitions. "For the second consecutive year, our presentation and expansive global distribution will spotlight the exceptional talent of the young boys and girls competing, while also celebrating the inclusive, fast-paced, and accessible nature of flag football. This year's tournament will not only build upon the tremendous success of the inaugural event, but will also add to the sport's immense momentum in recent years."
Toyota is the Presenting Partner of NFL Flag tournaments across the U.S -- spanning the NFL Flag Championships and Regional Tournaments as well as NFL Flag League Play. At the NFL Flag Championships, Toyota will have a co-branded presence on all NFL Flag jerseys and flags, as well as signage and activation space at Fan Fest. Toyota will also sponsor ESPN and Disney's live broadcast coverage of the top boys (14U) and girls (high school) divisions in the tournament.
"The NFL Flag Championships builds upon the continued efforts of hundreds of Toyota dealers nationwide supporting local leagues, enabling girls and boys greater access to the game of flag football," said Dedra DeLilli, Vice President of Marketing Communications, Toyota Motor North America. "Seeing these future superstars compete on a national platform is a thrill not only for Toyota but for all those who love the game."
Gatorade, Oakley and Visa all return as sponsors for the 2025 NFL Flag Championships while new partners this year include Jersey Mike's and brands like Downy, Gillette, Old Spice and Tide.
New for 2025, Nike will be providing on-field uniforms and apparel, and New Era will be providing caps for players, including a Champions cap immediately postgame. Additionally, Wilson and Franklin will return providing flags and footballs.
"The NFL Flag Championships is the pinnacle event of the year for the entire flag community," said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports, operating partner of NFL FLAG. "It's where the nation's top youth athletes unite to compete at the highest level, with all 32 NFL clubs represented in one place. This year's event reflects the growing support for the sport — with more partners, greater visibility, and expanded global reach — creating even more opportunities for young athletes to shine. We're proud to help bring this experience to life in Canton."
The tournament structure will begin with pool play on Thursday, July 17. On Friday, there will be a round of 16 for four age groups and pool play for designated age groups and the international division. On Saturday, there will be quarterfinals and playoffs for multiple age groups as well as the semifinals and finals of the international tournament. Sunday, July 20, will include semi-finals for four age groups and finals for all age groups.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in October 2023 that flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games program in Los Angeles. The inclusion puts flag football on the world's largest stage. Eight 14u co-ed teams will travel from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico and Puerto Rico to compete against one another at the 2025 NFL Flag Championships. All teams will have qualified for the tournament by winning national NFL Flag tournaments in their home countries.
Flag football's rapid growth and popularity also is reflected in an exhibit inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Flag football is one of the world's 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.
For more information on NFL FLAG and to find a league in your neighborhood, please visit here.
