USA Football today announced the organization’s formal certification as the National Governing Body (NGB) for American football by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This distinction marks a significant milestone in American football history: USA Football becomes the sport’s first National Governing Body ahead of the debut of men’s and women’s flag football at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

As the sport’s official National Governing Body, USA Football oversees all aspects of American football in the U.S. This includes selecting, training and leading the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams in both tackle and flag football, including for the upcoming Olympic Games. USA Football’s role will be pivotal as the sport reaches new heights, with more opportunities to compete in flag and tackle football emerging in the U.S. and worldwide.

“Being formally certified as the National Governing Body is a historic achievement, tremendous honor and incredible responsibility, as flag football’s Olympic debut draws closer. We thank the USOPC for its approval and support throughout this process,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re also grateful to the NFL and all our partners for their continued support and belief in our mission. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches and entire organization. Our commitment to this great game and its growing community has never been stronger. Team USA flag football competing in LA 2028 will inspire athletes worldwide to advance and grow the sport — in both flag and tackle football.”

“We are pleased to welcome USA Football to the USOPC family of national governing bodies and can’t wait to see these great athletes take the field as Team USA at LA28,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “The process of becoming a NGB requires demonstrating great commitment to the athletes, to the sport, and to the Olympic and Paralympic community. We thank the leadership and staff at USA Football for supporting those principles and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

USA Football’s mission is to grow and develop the sport across the nation and on the world stage. As flag football continues to increase in popularity, USA Football’s U.S. National Team athletes and coaches will inspire the next generation of athletes to follow in their footsteps and strive to compete at the highest level.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity for us to show the world what flag football is all about,” said Team USA quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette. “I never imagined there would be a chance for athletes to represent the U.S. on the Olympic stage in flag football. We’re on the verge of making history. It’s been an honor to have played with so many of the trailblazers who have elevated this sport and paved the way for future generations.”

USA Football has supported the sport’s growth through various world-class competitive, educational and financial opportunities, including its National Team Development Program, accredited education programming and extensive resource and grants offerings. USA Football will continue to advocate for more opportunities for athletes to enjoy and compete in football at all levels, regardless of game type.

USA Football and its partners’ efforts to grow the sport have resulted in the expansion of high school girls’ flag football, which is now recognized as a varsity sport in 14 states. The NCAA is also exploring flag football as part of its “Emerging Sports for Women” program, a clear indicator of the sport’s growing presence in collegiate athletics and beyond.

“It’s amazing to see the progress flag football has made, especially for girls and women,” said Team USA quarterback Vanita Krouch. “I’m incredibly grateful for my teammates, coaches and USA Football, who have all worked extremely hard to get to this moment. It’s surreal to know that the Olympics are just around the corner. I’m proud to show young girls around the world that they can achieve greatness in football, and I can’t wait for the world to see our team compete in 2028.”