USA Football named national governing body by USOPC ahead of flag football's Olympic debut in 2028

Apnews - Apr 17th, 2025

USA Football has been officially certified as a national governing body (NGB) by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), marking a pivotal moment for flag football as it prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This certification places USA Football alongside other prestigious sports like track and field and swimming and tasks it with overseeing the selection, training, and supervision of the U.S. men’s and women’s national flag football teams. With strong backing from the NFL, USA Football is poised to make a significant impact, especially given the sport's growing popularity and the expressed interest of NFL stars like Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes in participating in the Olympic event.

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics aligns with the International Olympic Committee's recent decisions to add other sports such as baseball, cricket, and squash. This development not only highlights flag football's increasing global appeal but also underscores the NFL's successful efforts in promoting the sport worldwide. The growing interest is also evident in the women's game, with high school and college programs expanding rapidly. USA Football's certification as an NGB ensures that the organization meets stringent standards for athlete support and safety, promising a robust framework for the sport's Olympic venture. This milestone represents a significant step forward for flag football and its long-term Olympic aspirations, further supported by USA Football's strategic partnerships and NFL affiliations.

Nfl Olympics 2028 Usa Football Usopc Flag Football Scott Hallenbeck Olympic Sports International Sports

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RATING

8.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of USA Football's certification as a national governing body and the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics. It is well-researched, drawing from credible sources and presenting a balanced perspective. The piece effectively communicates the significance of this development within the context of the Olympic movement and the growing popularity of flag football. While the article excels in clarity and timeliness, it could benefit from additional perspectives to enhance balance and address potential controversies. Overall, it serves as an informative and engaging piece for readers interested in sports and Olympic developments.

Accuracy

The article presents a well-researched account of USA Football's certification as a national governing body by the USOPC. Key factual claims, such as USA Football being the 38th Summer Olympics NGB and the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics, align with verifiable sources. The piece accurately attributes quotes to named individuals, such as USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck and USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland, providing credibility. However, claims about the involvement of NFL players like Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes in the Olympic roster are speculative and would benefit from direct statements from the players themselves.

Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by including viewpoints from multiple stakeholders, such as USA Football, the USOPC, and the NFL. It highlights both the strategic importance of flag football's Olympic inclusion and its growing popularity, particularly among women. However, it could further enhance balance by incorporating perspectives from critics or skeptics of flag football's Olympic debut, if any, to provide a more rounded view of the topic.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making complex information about sports governance accessible to a general audience. It uses straightforward language and logical flow to guide readers through the story. The inclusion of specific details, such as the rules of flag football for the 2028 Olympics, enhances comprehension. The tone remains neutral and informative throughout.

Source quality

The article relies on authoritative sources, including official statements from the USOPC and USA Football. It includes quotes from recognized figures in the sports industry, lending credibility to the claims. The use of the Associated Press as a primary source further underscores the reliability of the information. However, additional perspectives from independent sports analysts could enhance the depth of the analysis.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing quotes and data to specific organizations and individuals. It explains the certification process for becoming an NGB, providing readers with a clear understanding of the context. However, there is limited disclosure regarding potential conflicts of interest, such as the NFL's involvement with USA Football, which could affect impartiality.