Williams, Ohanian Eye Stake in NFL Flag Football

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have submitted a bid to invest in the NFL's planned professional flag football league, a non-contact version of American football that will debut as an Olympic sport in 2028. They are among ten groups vying for stakes in the league. Williams, a seasoned investor in sports franchises, and Ohanian, known for championing women's sports, align this bid with their broader investment strategy, including stakes in Angel City FC, the WNBA's Toronto Tempo, and the Los Angeles Golf Club. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed multiple investment proposals, though specific timelines for the league's launch remain unspecified. Some within the NFL express concern that the rise of flag football could diminish the talent pool for traditional tackle football, but proponents argue it represents a significant opportunity to expand football's global appeal.