Fanatics Flag Football Classic Moves to Los Angeles
In an exciting shift, the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, with Tom Brady at the helm, will now take place in Los Angeles instead of its originally planned location of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This decision follows recent geopolitical tensions due to the ongoing Iran conflict and subsequent travel advisories. Scheduled for March 21, the event will unfold at BMO Stadium, a venue poised to host flag football during its Olympic debut in the 2028 Games.
Star-Studded Lineup
This highly anticipated showdown brings together multiple NFL stars, marking Brady’s first appearance in a game setting since his retirement in 2023 after an illustrious career with seven Super Bowl titles. In this match, Brady alongside Jalen Hurts will lead the Founders FFC team, coached by Sean Payton. Opposing them will be the Wildcats FFC, led by Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, with Kyle Shanahan serving as coach.
The captains are set to draft from a notable roster including Saquon Barkley, Myles Garrett, Odell Beckham Jr., Rob Gronkowski, and YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul. Adding a layer of competition, a third team featuring USA Football players will compete; captains Aamir Brown and Darrell “Housh” Doucette will be guided by coach Jorge Cascudo.
Game Format and Broadcast
The format promises an engaging contest, adhering to modified Olympic flag football rules, played on a 50 by 25 yards field. Each game will consist of two 15-minute halves with a running clock. A round-robin format allows all teams to compete against each other, with the top two advancing to the championship game.
This event, produced by Fanatics Studios, will be aired on FOX Sports, FOX One, and Tubi, showcasing a unique opportunity for flag football athletes to measure their skills against established NFL professionals.
“This event features our world champion flag football athletes on the same field as some of the top current and former pro tackle stars, and I know our players are up for the challenge,” expressed Scott Hallenbeck, CEO of USA Football, in an official statement.
