USA Football Certified as National Governing Body by USOPC

USA Football has been certified as the official national governing body for the sport by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, marking a milestone for the organization ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

USA Football oversees all aspects of American football including selecting, training and leading the national teams in both tackle and flag football. USA Football has already been recognized by the International Federation of American Football. USA Football is the 52nd national governing body in the U.S. Olympic movement and the 38th NGB on the summer side.

“Being formally certified as the National Governing Body is a historic achievement, tremendous honor and incredible responsibility, as flag football’s Olympic debut draws closer,” said USA Football Chief Executive Officer Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re also grateful to the NFL and all our partners for their continued support and belief in our mission. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches and entire organization. Our commitment to this great game and its growing community has never been stronger. Team USA flag football competing in LA 2028 will inspire athletes worldwide to advance and grow the sport — in both flag and tackle football.”

USA Football and its partners’ efforts to grow the sport have resulted in the expansion of high school girls’ flag football, which is now recognized as a varsity sport in 14 states. The NCAA is also exploring flag football as part of its “Emerging Sports for Women” program, a clear indicator of the sport’s growing presence in collegiate athletics and beyond.

“We are pleased to welcome USA Football to the USOPC family of national governing bodies and can’t wait to see these great athletes take the field as Team USA at LA28,” said USOPC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hirshland. “The process of becoming a NGB requires demonstrating great commitment to the athletes, to the sport, and to the Olympic and Paralympic community. We thank the leadership and staff at USA Football for supporting those principles and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Hirshland told media during a teleconference later Thursday afternoon that the idea of NFL players participating in the 2028 Games would be a “multi-pronged process going forward” with multiple stakeholders, including USA Football, IFAF, the IOC and the NFL.