Fanatics has officially confirmed the relocation of its upcoming Flag Football Classic, originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, 2026. Due to the escalating war in the Middle East, the event will now be hosted at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, maintaining its original date.
Key Event Details
- New Venue: BMO Stadium (Los Angeles), the future site of flag football for the 2028 Olympic Games.
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 4pm ET / 1pm PT.
- Broadcast: The event will be televised domestically on Fox Sports and Tubi, with international streaming available via Fanatics’ YouTube channel.
- Format: A round-robin tournament featuring three teams, utilizing modified Olympic-style rules (5-on-5, two 20-minute halves).
Participation and Star Power
Despite the change in location, the event remains a massive milestone for the sport, featuring some of the NFL’s biggest names:
- Captains: Tom Brady, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Joe Burrow are set to captain the teams.
- Notable Players: The player pool includes Saquon Barkley, Myles Garrett, Odell Beckham Jr., Rob Gronkowski, and Logan Paul.
- Coaches & Hosts: NFL coaches Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan will lead teams, while comedians Kevin Hart and Druski are confirmed as event hosts.
Strategic Context
The move marks a significant shift in logistics, but the event remains a key strategic play for Fanatics. By bringing the game to Los Angeles—the home of the 2028 Summer Olympics—the company is leaning into the growing momentum of flag football as an Olympic sport.
While the relocation is expected to impact the economics of the original deal with Saudi Arabia, moving to the U.S. offers a more accessible viewing window for the domestic market and ensures the safety of all participants and attendees during a period of regional instability. Tickets for the BMO Stadium event are set to go on sale starting Tuesday, March 10, at 4pm ET via Ticketmaster.