US Women's Flag Football National Team Selected, NFL Allows Olympic Participation

Flag football might see another big push thanks to the NFL. Owners voted unanimously on Wednesday to allow NFL players to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028, with the flag football games to take place at BMO Stadium.

Any NFL player under contract can try out, but each NFL team will only be allowed to have one player participate on the national team. Players born outside the US will also be allowed to play for their home country. Participation will be allowed as long as it "does not unreasonably conflict with NFL commitments." One such commitment is the start of the NFL's training camp, which will overlap with the 2028 Olympics from July 14 through July 30.

While the men's national team will see NFL players contend for roster and alternate selections, the women's team won't have that issue. USA Football named the 2025 U.S. Women's Flag National Team, comprised of 12 members and 6 alternates. Current collegiate players selected for the roster include Addison Orsborn from Ottawa University (KS), Ashlea Klam from Keiser University (FL), and London Jenkins from Florida Gateway College. Current University of Saint Mary (KS) head coach, Amber Clark, also made the 12-woman roster.

Former Keiser player Brianna Hernandez-Silva was also named to the 12-woman roster. Two current collegiate players were selected as alternates: Alexandra Harris from Florida Gateway and Janae Scott from Thomas University (GA). The women's national team will compete in the World Games held in China in August. In September, the squad will compete at the IFAF Americas Continental Flag Championship in Panama.

As flag football has grown in popularity at the youth level, the high school and collegiate ranks have followed suit. 15 states have sanctioned flag football, with several others likely to join that list over the next few years. For women's college flag football, over 200 club and varsity teams are set to compete in the 2026 spring season.