London flag football qualifier draws 57 athletes for NFL-backed league

Fifty-seven international athletes took part in the first talent qualifier for the planned NFL-backed professional flag football league at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, according to BBC Sport. Great Britain players were among those assessed as the project moved into recruiting potential professional competitors from outside the United States.

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The search extends beyond established flag football players. Champ Kelly, TMRW Sports' senior vice president of flag football operations, told the BBC that the organisation is also seeking athletes who could transfer from other sports. Some selected players will participate in a Pro Flag Showcase during Super Bowl week in February.

The NFL and TMRW Sports announced that showcase in September as an annual event opening Super Bowl week. Their announcement said the Los Angeles edition would take place at a purpose-built venue and be broadcast live, with NFL Pro Bowl players, Hall of Famers and other former players helping promote the competitors. It is intended to introduce audiences to the developing professional competition.

The broader league partnership was announced on March 30 and covers both women's and men's competition. The NFL said its backers include NFL clubs, institutional investors and current and former players. Among the named supporters were Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana and Russell Wilson, giving the project backing from prominent figures across several generations of American football.

Recruitment is also expanding within Britain's national programme. BAFA chief executive Chad Ehlertsen told BBC Sport that coaches are looking for transferable athletic qualities, including speed, agility and decision-making, rather than only existing flag expertise. The BBC reported that around 70 athletes had registered for the women's assessment weekend at Loughborough College, with Great Britain still seeking qualification for Los Angeles 2028.

BAFA's published camp notice confirms the October 10-11 assessment forms part of selection for the 2027 international season. National coaching and performance staff will assess physical, technical, tactical and behavioural standards through testing, training, competitive situations and classroom sessions. Attendance on both days is expected. The programme enters that process as reigning European champion after finishing fourth at the 2026 World Championships.