TMRW Sports, the venture founded by golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is reportedly set to operate a new professional Flag Football league in the United States. According to multiple U.S. media reports, the project is being developed in close collaboration with the NFL, with a formal launch scheduled no later than 2028.
A Strategic Expansion for TMRW Sports
TMRW Sports, co-founded in 2022 alongside media executive Mike McCarley, has rapidly become a major player in sports tech and alternative formats. Following the debut of their tech-forward golf league (TGL) and the announcement of a women’s counterpart (WTGL) launching later this year, the move into football marks a significant diversification.
The venture is backed by a powerhouse of investors, including John Henry (Fenway Sports Group), David Blitzer, and Michael Rubin, along with a long list of celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment.
The Road to LA 2028
The timing of the league is strategic. Flag Football—a non-contact version of American football where “tackles” are made by pulling flags from an opponent’s belt—is set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The NFL has committed $32 million to the league’s development, aiming to establish a professional structure before the Olympic torch is lit.
“We are encouraged by the strong interest in the market,” said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “The NFL is committed to investing in infrastructure and partnerships to grow Flag Football globally and establish a leading professional league.”
While the NFL has not yet officially confirmed TMRW Sports as the sole operator, the company has long been considered the frontrunner for the project’s operational execution.