ORLANDO, Fla. (July 29, 2026) – TMRW Sports has selected global design firm Populous as architect for the purpose-built stadium that will anchor its upcoming professional flag football league being developed in partnership with the National Football League.

The stadium is being designed to bring spectators close to the action, showcasing the world’s best women’s and men’s flag football athletes and the high-scoring action of the sport. This inaugural home of professional flag football will establish a new benchmark for how it optimizes the fan experience for both those in the stands and watching around the world.

Populous is recognized globally for designing some of the world’s most iconic sports venues and creating world-class events in and around those venues, including Olympic beach volleyball at the base of the Eiffel Tower and across multiple Games, MLB’s Field of Dreams and Speedway Classic, and the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup stadium. Throughout its history, Populous has worked with 30 of the 32 NFL teams, helping to maximize potential in both new and existing venues.

Transwestern, a leading commercial real estate firm, is serving as TMRW Sports’ real estate advisor for the league’s launch and overseeing the host city selection process. The NFL, TMRW Sports and Transwestern’s Sports & Entertainment Group are evaluating a broad field of prospective host cities and their proposals, while also advising on venue strategy to support the league’s growth. The team developed custom market evaluation models to assess long-term market fit and future expansion opportunities. Site visits are currently underway in potential host cities, including evaluations of prospective venue locations.

“Together with world-class partners, we're designing a stadium built specifically for flag football to create an immersive environment that inspires the next generation to see themselves competing on this ultimate stage,” said Katie Fitzpatrick, chief financial officer and senior vice president, construction and real estate, TMRW Sports. “This stadium will become a cultural centerpiece for both the sport and its host city, bringing global recognition to the community, increase tourism and provide family-friendly entertainment throughout the summer. It also presents a blank canvas for commercial partners to create innovative brand experiences through premium hospitality, integrated activations and naming rights.”

“Professional flag football gives us a rare opportunity to help shape the experience of a sport from the ground up. We get to help define not only where the sport is played, but how people will experience it for years to come.” said Meg McWilliam, principal, Populous. "Rather than adapting an existing venue, we're designing an experience that is purpose-built around the speed, energy and intimacy of the game. Every decision, from how fans connect with the action and how the broadcast is integrated, to hospitality, flexibility and the way the venue comes alive beyond game day, is being made to create an atmosphere that feels unmistakably unique to professional flag football.”

"We’re honored to work alongside TMRW Sports to help bring the bold vision for professional flag football to life," said Larry Serota, co-lead of Transwestern’s Sports & Entertainment Group. "Populous' track record of designing iconic sports venues made them a natural choice for this project, and we're excited to partner as we identify the league's inaugural host city and advance this next phase of development."

TMRW Sports’ professional flag football venue will be a modular design and feature:

• The first stadium ever designed specifically for professional flag football, customized for the sport and showcasing the league’s elite athletes.
• An electric game-day atmosphere that is accessible for thousands of fans and delivers a memorable fan experience.
• A broadcast-oriented design that optimizes sightlines for camera positions, while creating an intimate, high-energy atmosphere for fans in attendance.
• Premium hospitality, customized brand integration and naming rights opportunities that support a unique experience in and around the venue.

TMRW Sports and the NFL are launching the professional flag football league prior to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Fans will experience the league’s fast-paced, elite-level competition and tech-forward presentation. Ultimately, professional flag football aims to deliver data-driven storytelling and technology that immerses audiences in the sport’s speed, agility and athleticism. Adding this pro-level tier will play an important role within flag football's broader global pathway, capping a growing youth, high school, collegiate, international and Olympic ecosystem with the opportunity to compete professionally for women and men.

The league has support from a broad and influential investor pool, including all 32 NFL club owners, established institutional and strategic investors, and current and former NFL players, reflecting confidence in the sport's long-term growth potential and increasing global relevance.

TMRW Sports has formed a strategic partnership with the International Federation of American Football, the international governing body for American football and the IOC-recognized federation responsible for flag football competitions in the Olympic Games. This partnership is designed to further accelerate the growth, visibility and accessibility of flag football around the world, including supporting the 2026 IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany, the first qualifying event for the Olympic Games.

More than 20 million people currently play the sport around the world, with participation continuing to grow across all levels. Approximately 4.1 million youth play flag football in the U.S. alone – more than a 50% increase since 2020. Flag football is now offered at the high school level in 40 states, with the number of young women playing on their high school teams increasing by nearly 60% from 2024 to 2025. In addition, more than 250 colleges and universities across the country now offer women’s flag football programming. The NCAA recently approved flag football as part of the Emerging Sports for Women program and voted at its spring meeting to recommend that Divisions I, II and III add a National Collegiate Flag Football Championship as early as spring 2028.