NFL signs on as presenting sponsor of 33rd sport at international sports competition.
The first edition of The World Games on American soil since 1981 has added a familiar sport to its lineup. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, in partnership with the International World Games Association (IWGA), National Football League (NFL), and International Federation of American Football (IFAF) today announced that Flag Football will join the existing lineup of 32 unique, multi-disciplinary sports.
Flag at The World Games:
- The World Games 2022 Birmingham, which marks the 40th anniversary of the event, will take place from July 7- 17, 2022.
- Hosted at Birmingham’s historic Legion Field, Flag Football @TWG2022 Presented by the NFL will feature eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams from around the world.
- As current reigning world champions, the United States men’s and women’s teams both pre-qualify for The World Games 2022. The remaining seven teams will be selected through the IFAF qualifying process.
“We’re so excited to bring flag football to the international stage during The World Games 2022 in Birmingham. Flag football expands the sport of football by providing easier access to our game for men and women from all walks of life. With a huge international platform like this, we’ll create opportunities for kids and adults around the world to experience and learn the game of football, while helping grow the sport’s global popularity.”
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback, Super Bowl Champion and NFL FLAG Chairman
“The addition of flag football to the World Games brings tremendous global value as the NFL looks to expand the NFL FLAG brand worldwide. With support from NFL Global Ambassador and NFL FLAG Chairman Russell Wilson, we’ve committed to creating more opportunities for athlete’s around the world to play flag, and we look forward to teaming up with the City of Birmingham and the World Games Committee to share the NFL FLAG experience with even more athletes and fans”
Izell Reese, Executive Director of NFL FLAG