The NFL seeks investors for a professional flag football league, attracting bids from notable figures like Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian. The sport, confirmed as an Olympic event for 2028, is gaining popularity, but some fear it could impact tackle football's talent pipeline. Williams and Ohanian continue expanding their sports.
The NFL’s commitment to expanding the sport beyond traditional tackle football has taken a significant step forward as it seeks investors for a professional flag football league. The initiative has already caught the attention of high-profile names, with tennis icon Serena Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, officially submitting a bid in response to the league’s request for proposals.
Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian submit bid for a stake in pro flag football league
According to Front Office Sports reporter Michael McCarthy, the couple has joined a competitive pool of potential investors vying for a stake in what could be a groundbreaking addition to professional football. As reported by Sports Business Journal’s Ben Fischer, a total of 10 groups have expressed formal interest in backing the league.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the growing enthusiasm surrounding the concept, stating, “It’s clear there’s a lot of interest in a pro flag league. We have been getting bids from people who want to invest in that, either financially, or invest in the operation of that. We’re hard at work, and I expect there will be progress soon.”
While an official launch timeline has not been established, the NFL’s efforts in developing flag football extend beyond just this potential league. The sport has been steadily gaining traction, particularly after being confirmed as an Olympic event for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. With the global spotlight on flag football, the league sees a prime opportunity to capitalize on its growing popularity and introduce a professional version of the game.
However, not everyone within league circles is entirely convinced that this shift will be beneficial in the long run. Some fear that the rise of flag football could lead younger athletes to choose the less physical version of the sport over tackle football. If that happens, the traditional pipeline of talent leading to the NFL could shrink, potentially impacting the future of the league’s player pool.
Serena and Ohanian’s expanding sports investments
For Williams and Ohanian, this potential investment aligns with their growing portfolio in professional sports ownership. Their involvement in sports franchises dates back to 2009 when Serena and her sister, Venus Williams, became minority owners of the Miami Dolphins. Ohanian later took the lead in backing the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC, a team in which Serena and their daughter Olympia also hold minority stakes. The couple, along with Venus, has also invested in the Los Angeles Golf Club, which is part of Tiger Woods' innovative TGL golf league.
Their interest in football, however, isn’t just limited to financial investments. Serena Williams recently appeared at the NFL owners’ meetings in Florida, where she shared the stage with WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Her presence at such a high-level gathering suggests that she is keen on being part of the NFL’s evolving landscape, particularly as the league explores new avenues like professional flag football.
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While details regarding the pro flag football league remain uncertain, one thing is clear: with influential names like Williams and Ohanian in the mix, the NFL's vision for the sport is already attracting major players.
