IFAF and Nike launch global partnership to accelerate flag football’s growth

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and Nike have announced a multi-year global partnership aimed at expanding flag football worldwide as the sport builds toward its historic debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The agreement, unveiled ahead of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, strengthens the relationship between the sport’s international governing body and one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands during a pivotal period for flag football.

Partnership begins in Düsseldorf

The new partnership will officially begin at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships, scheduled for August 13-16 in Düsseldorf. The tournament represents the first Olympic qualifying event on the road to LA28, where flag football will make its long-awaited Olympic debut.

Under the agreement, Nike becomes the exclusive Performance Apparel Partner for IFAF Flag Football. The company will provide apparel for event staff and International Technical Officials at major flag football competitions over the next two years.

Fans attending the World Championships will also see a series of Nike activations throughout the event, while the company will serve as presenting partner of both tournament Most Valuable Player awards.

Growing the game

Beyond elite competition, the partnership places a strong emphasis on expanding participation around the world.

Nike and IFAF will work together to support development clinics across three continents during the next two years as the sport continues its rapid international growth. Flag football has become one of the fastest-growing disciplines within American football, with participation increasing dramatically in many countries as interest continues to rise ahead of the Olympic debut.

The agreement also extends to the 2027 IFAF Flag Football Continental Championships, where Nike will serve as an official partner.

Focus on women’s leadership

Another key component of the partnership is support for IFAF’s Women’s Leadership Program.

The initiative is designed to increase the representation of women in leadership positions throughout the sport’s global structure while building on the growing participation of girls and women in flag football worldwide.

The partnership also expands Nike’s investment in the sport. Earlier this year, the company reached separate agreements with the Canadian, British, and Mexican national federations to support the continued development of flag football in those countries.

With the World Championships just days away and the Olympic spotlight growing brighter, the agreement gives IFAF another major platform as flag football continues its rapid rise on the international sports stage.