The NFL is staging a star-studded flag football event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, 2026, headlined by Tom Brady. This showcase, called the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, is part of the league's strategy to globalize its profile, particularly ahead of flag football's debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The event will feature three teams composed of former and current NFL stars competing in a round-robin tournament, with the goal of accelerating the sport's worldwide growth. This initiative by the NFL occurs as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in major international sporting events to enhance its global image, a strategy that has drawn criticism for alleged "sportswashing" due to the kingdom's human rights record.
Despite potential scrutiny, participating athletes express a desire to expand the reach of American football globally. Organizers view the Riyadh event as a significant op... download the app to read more
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