The Canadian Football League (CFL) has given the green light for its players to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision, unanimously approved by the league’s board of governors, paves the way for CFL players to engage in this new Olympic sport.

Flag football is set to make its debut at the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking an exciting opportunity for CFL athletes. The approval allows the CFL to collaborate with the CFL Players’ Association, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and Olympic authorities to establish regulations governing player participation.

While the majority of CFL rosters consist of Canadians and Americans, the league also boasts 37 global players from 16 different countries. Notably, the NFL had previously declared its endorsement for its players to compete in the L.A. Games.

CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston expressed pride in the players’ chance to represent their countries in elite competition. Despite the Olympics overlapping with the CFL season, the board of governors acknowledged the significant benefits of competing on this global stage.

The opportunity for CFL players to partake in the Olympics is viewed as a unique experience to showcase the league’s talent internationally and contribute to the growth of football in Canada and beyond.

In related developments, the Canadian men’s and women’s flag football squads secured spots in the 2026 world championships, a crucial step towards Olympic qualification. Solomon Elimimian, President of the CFL Players’ Association, emphasized the honor of Olympic participation and the inspiration it offers to aspiring players.

At a recent IFAF Continental championship, the Canadian women’s team claimed second place, with the men’s team securing third under the guidance of former CFL head coach Paul LaPolice. Notably, the men’s roster includes Antony Auclair, a former NFL tight end and Super Bowl winner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Canada’s executive director of Football Canada, Kevin McDonald, highlighted the nation’s robust high-performance programs that have cultivated a talented roster. Collaboration between Football Canada and the CFL aims to establish guidelines for CFL players to vie for spots on the national team in the future, reflecting an exciting period for the sport as it pursues Olympic aspirations.