NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS 300-STRONG IN CANTON
The National Football League has revealed details of the second annual NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota, which takes place in Canton next month.
Billed as ‘the world’s premiere youth flag football tournament’, the event is scheduled to run between 17-20th July at ForeverLawn Park by Unrivaled Sports at the Hall of Fame Village. Operated by RCX Sports, the championships will feature approximately 300 regional NFL FLAG winners, comprising both girls and boys and eight international teams, participating across 12 divisions.
“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 and 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 itself will provide unbridled coverage of the event, with some 33 hours of airtime from Friday (July 18th) through Sunday (July 20th), with ESPN alone showcasing 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 for both the U14 boys and high school girls divisions will be available across seven platforms — ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and NFL+ — in all.
Coverage will also be available in more than 125 countries worldwide, with live footage being shown in Mexico, Brazil, and throughout Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Fans in the Netherlands and the Pacific Islands will also be able to watch on ESPN-branded networks, with more ways to watch listed here.
Eight under-14 co-ed teams are travelling from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico and Puerto Rico to compete against one another in Canton, having qualified for the tournament by winning national NFL Flag tournaments in their home countries.
“The NFL Flag Championships are quickly becoming the ultimate summer showcase for one of the world’s fastest growing sports,” ESPN senior vice president of league programming and acquisitions Julie Sobieski claimed. “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, Gatorade, Oakley and Visa all return as sponsors for the 2025 championships, while new partners this year include Jersey Mike’s, Downy, Gillette, Old Spice and Tide, amongst others, as brands appear to be targeting the parents of players, rather than the participants themselves. 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. Wilson and Franklin return to provide flags and footballs.
“The NFL Flag Championships is the pinnacle event of the year for the entire flag community,” said RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese, “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.”
The tournament will begin with pool play on Thursday 17th July, before Friday sees both a round of 16 in four age groups and pool play for others, including the international division. The weekend is scheduled to host quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals across the board.
Flag football’s rapid growth and popularity will also be reflected in an exhibit inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame.