Serena Williams and Russell Wilson are among a high-profile group of Black athletes and entrepreneurs leading the charge into the future of football. The NFL  confirmed a partnership with TMRW Sports, a technology-focused venture co-founded by Tiger Woods, to launch a professional flag football league for both men and women. This move is timed to build momentum ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will make its debut.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is joined in this investment by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, continuing her extensive portfolio of supporting inclusive sports ventures. On the gridiron side, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback is not the only active NFL star putting capital behind the project. He is joined by veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive lineman Arik Armstead, as well as retired legends like Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

The league’s development has been a multi-year process, with the 42-year-old former Arizona Cardinals star noting that the initiative has been "a long time coming" given the game's massive international growth. In a statement, NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said flag football is now fundamental to the league’s global strategy, with an estimated 20 million players spanning 100 countries. To support this vision, all 32 NFL teams have authorized an initial investment of up to $32 million through their collective investment vehicle, 32 Equity.

While the new venture features other sports icons such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Billie Jean King, the involvement of prominent Black leaders highlights a concerted effort to diversify ownership in the professional sports landscape. Institutional support is also coming from firms like Ariel Investments and Project Level, alongside former players Justin Tuck, Ryan Nece, and Dhani Jones.