Fanatics Flag Football Classic Moves to Los Angeles

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a significant global event created by Fanatics Studio, Tom Brady, and FOX Sports, is set to kick off on March 21st at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. This inaugural event is bound to attract plenty of attention, showcasing some of the NFL’s top players.

Originally slated for the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the game was shifted to Los Angeles. The decision was made in light of ongoing military operations in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, among others.

Brady will be returning to the field for the first time since retiring in 2023, adding excitement to an already high-profile gathering. BMO Stadium, which will also host flag football during the 2028 Olympics, is an ideal venue for this landmark event.

Alongside the relocation announcement, Fanatics detailed a unique competition format. There will be three teams, each with 12 players. Two will be composed of NFL stars, while the third will feature USA Football’s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion Men’s National Team.

The Founders FFC team is led by Brady, along with Jalen Hurts from the Philadelphia Eagles, and is coached by Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos. The Wildcats FFC will include young talent like Jaden Daniels from the Washington Commanders and seasoned player Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, coached by Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.

Interestingly, Robert Saleh, recently appointed as a defensive specialist by the Tennessee Titans, will contribute to both teams for this event.

The excitement continues with a draft set for March 18th to finalize team compositions. The full list of participating players has been released.

• Running Backs: Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Alvin Kamara (Saints), Ashton Giunty (Raiders)
• Wide Receivers / Tight Ends: Davante Adams (Rams), Odell Beckham Jr. (Free Agent), Stefon Diggs (Free Agent), Rob Gronkowski, DeAndre Hopkins (Free Agent), Kyle Juschuk (49ers), Deebo Samuel (Free Agent), DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
• Linebackers / Defensive Backs: Myles Garrett (Browns), Derwin James Jr. (Chargers), Luke Kuechly (Hall of Fame class of 2026), Tyrann Mathieu, Von Miller (Free Agent), Jalen Ramsey (Steelers)
• Additionally, world-class athletes and entertainers such as Logan Paul, IShowSpeed, and Terrence “Bud” Crawford will round out the event.

Brady expressed enthusiasm about facing off against Team USA. “Bringing Team USA into the mix enhances the talent pool in this tournament,” he said. “Playing in the same stadium that will host flag football at the Olympics gives us all a sneak peek into what to expect in 2028. But I definitely plan on winning.”

The men’s national team roster has also been revealed, comprising various athletes in key positions.

In a notable addition, Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, who will be honored in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, will serve as commissioners for this event.

The Flag Football Classic is set to be broadcast live on FOX Sports, FOX One, and Tubi on March 21 from 4-8:30 p.m. ET, with international streaming available on Fanatics’ YouTube channel. Comedian Kevin Hart will host, joined by Dorsky for commentary.

Utilizing modified Olympic-style flag football rules, the game will consist of two 15-minute halves with a running clock, played on a 50-by-25-yard field, and will feature a 5-on-5 round-robin format. The top two teams will proceed to the championship.