The 2026 NFL FLAG Championships, presented by Toyota, concluded in Westfield, Indiana, drawing a record 14.3 million unique viewers tracked by Nielsen Big Data + Panel—the highest figure in the event's three-year history.
Held over four days from July 23–26, the tournament hosted more than 350 girls' and boys' teams from 13 countries. The international field included teams from Australia, Brazil's Braves Academy, Canada, China, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Mexico's Ducks, New Zealand, Panama's War Dogs, Puerto Rico and Spain's Royal Oaks Knights. The event also featured an International U15 Girls division.
Montreal's Flight School Elite won the world championship in the International division at the tournament, defeating Mexico in the final. The U15 team is composed of athletes from across Greater Montreal.
The 14.3 million unique viewers figure was broadcast across ABC, ESPN and other Disney-owned platforms. Toyota served as presenting sponsor.
Flag football's reach at the youth level is real—350-plus teams from 13 countries and a viewership number that competes with mid-tier professional broadcasts is not nothing. The NFL's investment in this format is paying off in audience and participation.
