Sports
Flag Football Takes Center Stage During Super Bowl LX Week
Published
6 months agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
NEW YORK – (FNN SPORTS) – Flag football will take center stage during Super Bowl LX week in the San Francisco Bay Area, celebrating the sport’s explosive growth and global reach ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Super Bowl week flag football events will highlight the fast-paced and inclusive sport through a variety of events and activations, including a showdown between the sport’s top athletes, youth clinics, fan events, and much more.
Ahead of Super Bowl LX, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the NFL are also proud to announce the newest cohort of Global Flag Ambassadors, led by Hall of Fame quarterback and San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young. Global Flag Ambassadors play a critical role in inspiring the next generation of athletes and expanding flag football globally, and members from this year’s class will take part in flag football activations around Super Bowl LX.
Flag Football Events During Super Bowl LX Week
Throughout Super Bowl LX week, the Bay Area will host a variety of flag football activations designed to engage fans and communities.
2026 NFL Flag International Championship
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2:30 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
The 2026 NFL Flag International Championship will bring together top U13 co-ed teams from 14 countries to compete in a three-day tournament, culminating in an exciting championship game on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center’s North Building. This is one of the largest international NFL Flag competitions to date, with teams and athletes from Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, and Spain participating.
NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase Presented by Visa
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
As part of Super Bowl week celebrations, the NFL will host a showcase for the second year in a row of the nation’s top girls high school flag football athletes. Thirty-two seniors from high schools across the country, nominated by NFL clubs and selected from teams ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25, will compete in a matchup of the country’s premier flag football talent – mirroring the set-up of this year’s Pro Bowl Games. This event will air live during Postseason NFL Countdown on ESPN, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET, as part of its Pro Bowl Games pregame show, and streamed on the ESPN App, Disney+, SportsCenter Next’s YouTube channel and the NFL’s YouTube channel.
Pro Bowl Games Presented by Verizon
Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
For the first time, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games powered by Verizon will move to Super Bowl LX Week in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event brings the league’s top players together for an AFC vs. NFC flag football showdown, which will preview the elite athleticism and competition of the sport ahead of its LA28 Olympics debut. The revamped programming gives the league’s best athletes an opportunity to compete during the NFL’s biggest week of the year, surrounded by their families, friends and select fans, and provides all fans with a must-see TV event that helps culminate the end of the season.
The televised event will air live from the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Super Bowl Experience in San Francisco on Tuesday, Feb. 3, which will be transformed into a dynamic flag football arena. Coverage of the Pro Bowl Games powered by Verizon will begin on ESPN starting at 6:30 p.m. ET with the flag game at 8 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN, Disney XD and ESPN Deportes.
Toyota Glow Up Classic
Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
The Toyota Glow Up Classic returns at Super Bowl LX at NFL Flag Fieldhouse where the games future – Females in Flag – will be spotlighted during this first-of-it-kind glow-in-the-dark flag football showdown. The game gathers the Bay Area’s top high school female athletes in a unique competition under UV lights and in glowing jerseys and gear in a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Team Toyota athletes will serve as mentors with Eli Manning, Brock Purdy, Christian Gonzales, Puka Nacua, Michael Pittman, Kyle Hamilton, and Jordan Love currently scheduled to appear. The second annual event is open to fans with Super Bowl Experience tickets. Toyota will also leave a lasting legacy after Super Bowl LX ends by supporting the installation of lighting at the Townsend Busher Field renovation project in Santa Clara.
USA vs. Mexico Flag Football Showcase Presented by Toyota
Thursday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
Fans will get an up-close look at flag football’s fast-paced, creative, and dynamic style when North America’s top athletes face off in an exhibition match. The USA Men’s National Flag Football Team will take on Mexico’s Men’s National Team, marking their first meeting since 2023. Both programs are reigning IFAF Americas Continental Co-Champions and will showcase the sport ahead of its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028. Selected, trained and led by USA Football, the USA Men’s National Flag Football team and star quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III sit atop the IFAF World Rankings, while Mexico ranks third, setting the stage for an epic clash between two of the sport’s best teams. The game will air live on the NFL’s YouTube channel.
Super Bowl LX Flag Football Game on YouTube
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. PT, Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South — Hall C
Building on the success of the inaugural Super Bowl LIX Flag Football Game on YouTube, the league is bringing the excitement back to Super Bowl Experience with a flag football showdown at the NFL Flag Football Fieldhouse, on Saturday, Feb. 7, ahead of Super Bowl Sunday. Showcasing the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football globally and connecting with fans worldwide, the flag football game brings together top talent from across sports, music and YouTube, with the action kicking off at 7:00 p.m. PT and streaming live exclusively on YouTube.
Global Flag Ambassadors
Ahead of Super Bowl LX, IFAF and the NFL are excited to introduce its newest cohort of Global Flag Ambassadors. This diverse group of athletes will champion flag football’s growth across domestic and international markets, promoting the sport’s accessibility for all. Leading the charge is Steve Young, Hall of Fame quarterback and San Francisco 49ers icon, whose passion for the game and commitment to youth sports make him an ideal Global Flag Ambassador.
“Being named a Global Flag Ambassador is an honor, especially as the world’s attention turns to the Bay Area during Super Bowl LX,” said NFL Hall of Famer and San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young. “Flag football represents the future expansion of our sport – fast, inclusive, and accessible, creating unprecedented opportunities for ALL athletes around the world, a game where women and girls are claiming their space. Coaching my daughters’ high school flag football team has shown me how powerful this game can be in shaping confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. I’m committed to using my voice to help expand flag football globally and ensure the next generation of competitors see a place for themselves in this game.”
Global Flag Ambassadors will play a key role in promoting the game throughout Super Bowl week. Global Flag Ambassador activations include Vanita Krouch, a member of the United States women’s national flag football team, who will serve as a team captain at the NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase and also participated in the Showcase’s selection committee. Global Flag Ambassadors from international markets, such as Diana Flores, Phoebe Schecter, Gabi Bankhardt and Kodie Fuller, will also participate in various league events throughout the week, including Super Bowl Opening Night and the Pro Bowl Games.
This year’s Global Flag Ambassador cohort includes:
- Ashlea Klam, USA Women’s National Team – Ashlea Klam is an international flag football player and member of the United States Women’s National Flag Team, where she was a key member of the 2024 IFAF Women’s Flag Football World Championship team. Ashlea is also a member of the Keiser University flag football team and played on the Texas Fury NFL Flag team. Ashlea will serve as a team captain at the NFL Flag Girls High School Showcase. Ashlea has played flag football since elementary school and serves as an inspiration to young girls who strive to represent their country playing the sport they love.
- Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans – Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is a major advocate and ambassador for flag football, actively promoting girls flag football participation in Houston and his hometown in Georgia.
- Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts – Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin is a passionate supporter of flag football, helping to expand access to the game in his hometown of Philadelphia and beyond. Last year, Franklin hosted a “Girls’ Flag Football Jamboree” at his alma mater and consistently participates in NFL Flag-in-School events throughout Indianapolis.
Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with 20 million players worldwide, and will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028. Recently, NFL clubs voted to support financially the development and launch of a professional flag football league. In addition, the NCAA recently approved the addition of flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program, an important step in establishing flag as a varsity women’s sport across the NCAA. Flag football is now offered for girls at the high school level in 38 states, and over 100 colleges and universities have women’s flag football programs.
Sports
Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 11, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.
Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion
Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.
Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.
Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals
The Pride wasted little time after the break.
Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.
The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.
Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.
Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.
Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead
The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.
Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.
The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.
Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal
Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.
After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.
The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.
Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.
Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.
Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.
Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance
Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.
“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”
Hines continued:
“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”
Match Highlights
- 49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
- 57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
- 85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)
Match Notes
- Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
- Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
- Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
- Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
- Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
- Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
- Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
- Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
- Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
- The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.
By the Numbers
Final Score
- Orlando Pride 3
- Kansas City Current 0
Attendance: 8,058
Team Statistics
| Category | Orlando | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots | 11 | 20 |
| Shots on Goal | 5 | 9 |
| Saves | 9 | 2 |
| Corners | 1 | 4 |
| Fouls | 5 | 3 |
Heineken Star of the Match: Marta
Up Next
The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.
Sports
Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 6, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.
In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’
HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.
“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”
Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami
Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.
His résumé includes:
- 2021 NBA Champion
- Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
- 2021 NBA Finals MVP
- 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- Seven All-NBA First Team selections
- Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.
He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.
Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.
Portis Adds Championship Experience
Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.
The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.
Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.
Heat Part Ways with Core Players
The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.
Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.
Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.
Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.
Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.
Championship Expectations Rise
The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.
Sports
Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 6, 2026By
Willie David
MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.
Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance
The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.
But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.
Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match
Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.
Extra-Time Drama
Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.
The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.
Argentina Advances to Face Egypt
Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.
With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.
