THE NFL HAS NAMED Brian Flinn as Senior Vice President, Global Flag Football, a newly created senior role reflecting the rapid global growth of the game.
Flinn will lead the NFL’s global flag football strategy and execution, driving international expansion, strengthening partnerships, and overseeing the growth and development of the game from youth participation through the professional level. He will be based in New York, a media release said.
“Flag football is experiencing extraordinary growth across the globe, from youth participation to elite international competition,” said Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “This is a pivotal moment for the game. Brian’s vision, leadership, and proven ability to build and scale sports properties position him to accelerate our momentum, expand our reach, and elevate flag football on the global stage.”
Flinn has more than 30 years of leadership experience across sports, entertainment, and media, with deep expertise in operations, strategic planning, revenue generation, brand building, and communications. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the Pro Padel League, where he helped drive a tenfold increase in the league’s valuation in just one year. Previously, he was Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Isos Capital Management, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at WWE, and held senior leadership roles at the NBA and the New York Knicks.
“It is an honor to join the NFL at such a transformative time for flag football,” Flinn said. “The sport has a unique ability to engage new audiences, create global pathways, and inspire the next generation of athletes. I am looking forward to working with the league’s leadership and partners around the world to continue to fuel the game’s rapid growth and build a sustainable, impactful future for flag football.”
The NFL recently announced that it is partnering with TMRW Sports to develop and operate a professional flag football league for women and men. The new professional league will launch with support from a broad and influential investor pool, including NFL clubs, established institutional and strategic investors, and current and former NFL players. Flag football will also make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, solidifying flag’s rapid ascension as a global sport, the release added.
