| NEW YORK — June 26, 2025 — The National Football League announced today the NFL FLAG teams and players that will represent all 32 NFL clubs at the second annual NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota, the world’s premiere youth flag football tournament, from July 17-20, at ForeverLawn Park by Unrivaled Sports at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. The Championships, operated by RCX Sports, will feature approximately 300 NFL FLAG regional winning teams of girls and boys participating across 12 divisions, including eight international teams.
“We are thrilled to bring the NFL Flag Championships presented by Toyota back to Canton for the second consecutive year,” said Stephanie Kwok, NFL vice president, head of Flag Football. “The Championships are a strong showcase for the growth of flag football at the grassroots level across the country and around the world. Flag is inclusive and accessible for all, and we are excited to see the competition across all age groups at the 2025 NFL Flag Championships.” ESPN, ABC, Disney and the NFL will provide coverage, spanning 33 hours from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20. ESPN will showcase 15 games from the girls high school division, 15 games from the boys under-14 division and three games from the international tournament. The championship games on Sunday for the 14u boys and high school girls divisions will be available across seven platforms: ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and NFL+. The NFL Flag Championships will be available in more than 125 countries, including live coverage in Mexico, Brazil, throughout Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Fans in the Netherlands and the Pacific Islands will also be able to consume coverage of the event on ESPN branded networks. For more ways to watch the 2025 NFL Flag Championships, click here. “The NFL Flag Championships are quickly becoming the ultimate summer showcase for one of the world’s fastest growing sports,” said Julie Sobieski, ESPN senior vice president of league programming and acquisitions. “For the second consecutive year, our presentation and expansive global distribution will spotlight the exceptional talent of the young boys and girls competing, while also celebrating the inclusive, fast-paced, and accessible nature of flag football. This year’s tournament will not only build upon the tremendous success of the inaugural event, but will also add to the sport’s immense momentum in recent years.” Toyota is the Presenting Partner of NFL Flag tournaments across the U.S — spanning the NFL Flag Championships and Regional Tournaments as well as NFL Flag League Play. At the NFL Flag Championships, Toyota will have a co-branded presence on all NFL Flag jerseys and flags, as well as signage and activation space at Fan Fest. Toyota will also sponsor ESPN and Disney’s live broadcast coverage of the top boys (14U) and girls (high school) divisions in the tournament. “The NFL Flag Championships builds upon the continued efforts of hundreds of Toyota dealers nationwide supporting local leagues, enabling girls and boys greater access to the game of flag football,” said Dedra DeLilli, Vice President of Marketing Communications, Toyota Motor North America. “Seeing these future superstars compete on a national platform is a thrill not only for Toyota but for all those who love the game.” Gatorade, Oakley and Visa all return as sponsors for the 2025 NFL Flag Championships while new partners this year include Jersey Mike’s and brands like Downy, Gillette, Old Spice and Tide. New for 2025, Nike will be providing on-field uniforms and apparel, and New Era will be providing caps for players, including a Champions cap immediately postgame. Additionally, Wilson and Franklin will return providing flags and footballs. “The NFL Flag Championships is the pinnacle event of the year for the entire flag community,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports, operating partner of NFL FLAG. “It’s where the nation’s top youth athletes unite to compete at the highest level, with all 32 NFL clubs represented in one place. This year’s event reflects the growing support for the sport — with more partners, greater visibility, and expanded global reach — creating even more opportunities for young athletes to shine. We’re proud to help bring this experience to life in Canton.” The tournament structure will begin with pool play on Thursday, July 17. On Friday, there will be a round of 16 for four age groups and pool play for designated age groups and the international division. On Saturday, there will be quarterfinals and playoffs for multiple age groups as well as the semifinals and finals of the international tournament. Sunday, July 20, will include semi-finals for four age groups and finals for all age groups. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in October 2023 that flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games program in Los Angeles. The inclusion puts flag football on the world’s largest stage. Eight 14u co-ed teams will travel from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Mexico and Puerto Rico to compete against one another at the 2025 NFL Flag Championships. All teams will have qualified for the tournament by winning national NFL Flag tournaments in their home countries. Flag football’s rapid growth and popularity also is reflected in an exhibit inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Flag football is one of the world’s fastest-growing sport, played by over 20 million people in more than 100 countries, across six continents. It is the most inclusive and accessible format of football, played by people of all ages and genders, with female athletes driving some of the fastest growth. For more information on NFL FLAG and to find a league in your neighborhood, please visit here. Media Contact: Sam Drexler, sam.drexler@nfl.com About NFL FLAG NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 2,000 locally operated leagues and over 765,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG. Learn more at nflflag.com. About RCX Sports RCX Sports is the leader in youth sports experiences, operating and partnering with leagues, events, and brands to engage and empower the next generation of athletes. As the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX is the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them. RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports. For more information, visit rcxsports.com. |
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CHRIS FORMAN
One of the greatest NBA Finals in recent memory concluded yesterday as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Indiana Pacers to claim the NBA Championship. This series delivered it all: superstar brilliance, game-winners, clutch execution, relentless defense, and major contributions from role players. Yet, it may be remembered most for one devastating moment.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles on the same leg in which he’d been battling a calf strain, collapsing on a drive and needing help to leave the court. The injury deflated Indiana, who had repeatedly overcome long odds and stood just one win away from a historic title. After forcing a Game 7 with a dominant home victory in Game 6, and with Haliburton knocking down three early threes in the finale, the stage seemed set for something special—until fate intervened.
For Oklahoma City, the Game 7 win capped off one of the finest campaigns in league history. The Thunder became just the fourth team ever to win at least 84 total games, and their 68–14 regular season tied for the fourth-best record all time. Their +11.8 point differential per game ranked fourth in league history, while their cumulative margin—outscoring opponents by 1,243 points—was the highest ever.
Defensively, the Thunder set the standard. They allowed 2.5 fewer points per 100 possessions than the second-best team (Orlando) and averaged 10.7 steals per 100 in the playoffs, turning defense into transition buckets. They locked down the paint, holding opponents to 62.2% shooting in the restricted area and deterring shots at the rim altogether—just 24% of opponents’ attempts came from close range. The Pacers, who averaged 117.5 points per 100 possessions in prior rounds, were held to 108.1 in the Finals and just 91 in Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completed a historic season. He became the first player ever to win league MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP—alongside capturing the scoring title. He averaged 32.7 points in the regular season and added 30.3 per game in the Finals, thriving in the midrange while mixing in drives, threes, and trips to the line.
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Photo Cred: A Sea of Blue
His supporting stars—Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren—shined alongside him. Williams erupted for 40 points in Game 5 with an array of drives and long-range shooting, while Holmgren showcased his versatility, grabbing rebounds, stretching the floor, and protecting the rim. In Game 7, Holmgren contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Surrounding them, players like Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein provided invaluable minutes—but the offensive engine was driven by OKC’s trio.
Indiana, meanwhile, captured the hearts of fans everywhere. As underdogs in every series, the Pacers rode Haliburton’s brilliance deep into June. His postseason run included game-winners and fearless shot-making, but the Finals also featured breakout performances from Pascal Siakam, who carried much of the scoring load, and TJ McConnell, whose hustle and grit were on full display. McConnell tallied five steals and ten points in Game 3, then added 18 in Game 5, 12 in Game 6, and 16 in Game 7, helping stabilize the offense in Haliburton’s absence.
Benedict Mathurin emerged as a scoring threat off the bench, delivering 27 points in Game 3 and 24 in Game 7. Andrew Nembhard added steady playmaking and timely buckets. Myles Turner’s series was quieter, but his spacing and interior defense remained key, while Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin gave Indiana bench scoring that consistently challenged OKC’s second unit.
The series will be remembered for its drama and swings. Game 1 belonged to Indiana after Haliburton’s game-winner, while OKC bounced back strong in Game 2. The third game saw a dominant Pacers performance, fueling belief. Game 4 looked to be Indiana’s for the taking, but a late Thunder comeback tied the series—ultimately a turning point that haunted the Pacers. A 3–1 series lead slipped through their fingers.
In Game 5, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 71 points to seize control. McConnell’s third-quarter spark briefly closed the gap, but the Thunder pulled away late. Haliburton, limited by his calf injury, managed just four points from the free throw line. Yet he returned to form in Game 6, leading a balanced attack where six Pacers scored in double figures. Obi Toppin’s 20 points helped force a deciding Game 7.
But Game 7 belonged to OKC. Despite trailing by one at the half, the Thunder’s defense tightened, and Haliburton’s absence stalled Indiana’s offense. Though the Pacers made a late push, it wasn’t enough. The Thunder secured their first title since moving to Oklahoma City. It was a long time coming. After falling short in the 2012 Finals with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, OKC endured a lengthy rebuild.
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
GM Sam Presti’s blockbuster trade of Paul George for Gilgeous-Alexander and a trove of picks has aged beautifully. Now, with Shai, Jalen, and Chet still years from their prime—and draft assets still in hand—the Thunder look poised to build a dynasty. In the end, this Finals delivered everything fans could ask for. Late-game heroics, strategic battles, defensive intensity, and unforgettable moments defined the series. Game 1 was snatched by the Pacers; Game 4 was taken by OKC in dramatic fashion. Both teams played unselfish, high-IQ basketball built on ball movement, spacing, and two-way effort.
While the Thunder’s offense ultimately outpaced Indiana, the Pacers’ resilience never faded—until Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury brought their storybook run to a painful close. The Thunder are set to contend for years to come. But the Pacers showed the league a different kind of blueprint: how to build culture, develop talent, and win with heart. While they fell just short of a Cinderella finish, they earned the respect of fans and franchises alike. In a league often driven by star drama and splashy trades, these Finals reminded everyone that the best basketball is still rooted in chemistry, character, and team-first play.
