KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In a highly anticipated announcement, NFL legend Tom Brady is set to make his return to the field in Saudi Arabia next year, leading the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at Kingdom Arena on March 21, 2026, as part of the Riyadh Season festivities.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion will be accompanied by a lineup of football stars, including Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Sauce Gardner, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., and longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski. This groundbreaking event aims to blend the worlds of professional sports and entertainment, showcasing the rising popularity of flag football.
According to recent statistics, flag football has surged in participation, now boasting over 20 million players globally. This event also serves as a precursor to flag football’s Olympic debut at the LA28 Summer Games, reflecting its growing prominence.
Viewers can catch the action live on FOX Sports and Tubi, with comedian Kevin Hart taking on the role of host. The round-robin tournament will feature three teams of eight players, each coached by prominent NFL figures Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. Following the preliminary matches, the top two teams will compete in a championship showdown.
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, emphasized the ambition of the Riyadh Season: “This is certain to be the biggest competition of its kind yet in flag football. We are committed to supporting the sport’s growth and are excited to bring it to a wider audience around the world.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Brady stated: “I couldn’t be more excited to return to the field, get the competitive juices flowing, and showcase flag football on a global stage. It’s awesome to be able to bring this sport to fans in Riyadh alongside so many incredible athletes.”
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic not only promises thrilling athletic performances but also aims to position Riyadh as the host of the most spectacular flag football event to date, bridging cultures through sports and entertainment.