MENA Freedom 250 NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship
The MENA Freedom 250 program will launch and develop NFL Flag Football across the MENA region, leading to a 2027 championship in Riyadh to promote youth sports and US cultural influence.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Due Dates: September 14, 2026 (Full application submission deadline, 23:59 EDT)
Funding Amounts: $150,000 total; one award; project period: 12 months
Summary: Supports the launch and implementation of the "MENA Freedom 250" NFL Flag Football program and regional championship to advance U.S. sports diplomacy, youth engagement, and American cultural influence in the MENA region.
Key Information: For-profit entities may participate only as in-kind partners; strict eligibility rules apply for female divisions per U.S. Executive Order.
Description
This program, under the U.S. Department of State–NFL Sports Diplomacy Partnership, seeks a qualified organization to implement the "MENA Freedom 250" NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship. The 12-month initiative will culminate in a high-profile regional championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027. The program aims to establish a development pipeline for MENA flag football athletes in anticipation of the sport’s debut at the LA28 Summer Games, support national outreach and youth programs, and leverage American sports culture and expertise to promote U.S. interests in the region. The selected recipient will partner with Saudi sports organizations, manage U.S. Sports Envoys, and coordinate with embassies in participating countries to deliver clinics, workshops, and the championship event.
