Tom Brady’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic relocated to U.S. amid Middle East tensions
Tom Brady’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic moves from Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, previewing the sport’s 2028 Olympic debut at BMO Stadium.
A major flag football event featuring future Hall of Famer Tom Brady and a star‑studded roster that was originally planned in Saudi Arabia is now expected to be relocated to the United States, most likely to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic featuring Tom Brady and other stars is being moved from Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, with the likely location being BMO Stadium, which is set to hold flag football in the 2028 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/tEcBaWzHXj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2026
The change comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have raised concerns about travel, safety and logistics for the high‑profile Fanatics Flag Football Classic scheduled for March 21, 2026.
From Riyadh to LA - What’s changed
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic was initially set to be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of ongoing efforts to globalize the sport and showcase elite flag football competition. The event was slated to include NFL stars such as Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey and more, with a round‑robin format and celebrity hosting by comedian Kevin Hart.
However, escalating conflict in the Middle East, including increased airstrikes and travel restrictions, prompted organizers to reconsider the international location, and sources say the showcase will now take place in the U.S. while keeping its March 21 date and broadcast plans with Fox Sports and Tubi.
While an official venue announcement has not yet been made, BMO Stadium, home of MLS’s Los Angeles Football Club, is widely expected to be the new site, aligning with its role as the venue for flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Why Los Angeles is a natural replacement
BMO Stadium, located adjacent to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will host flag football and lacrosse during the 2028 Olympics, marking the sport’s first appearance as a medal event and a historic step for American football’s global reach.
Moving the Fanatics Flag Football Classic to LA now could serve as an early preview of Olympic‑style competition and attract major attention from both U.S. fans and global audiences ahead of 2028.
The city is already preparing to host an expanded slate of international sporting events, and flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics, alongside sports such as lacrosse and baseball/softball, makes LA a fitting choice for a marquee showcase event.
Brady, stars and the future of flag football
Brady’s involvement is a major part of the event’s appeal. The seven‑time Super Bowl champion, who retired from the NFL after a record‑breaking career, will be coming back onto the field for what’s billed as flag football competition. That alone has generated buzz, especially with a lineup that includes both current NFL stars and veteran talents.
It was announced at a launch event in LA tonight for the new Fanatics Studios business that Jayden Daniels will participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic and also captain a team, alongside Tom Brady and a 3rd QB captain to be unveiled soon. Event is March 21 in Saudi… pic.twitter.com/q0y1AG05e6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2026
Flag football has exploded in popularity in recent years, with millions playing worldwide and the sport being included in the 2028 Olympics, a milestone for the game’s global growth.
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