DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announce today a new partnership with Football Ontario aimed at expanding flag football across the province. This collaboration provides athletes with unique opportunities to connect with the National Football League (NFL) and the Detroit Lions, reinforcing the club's dedication to growing the sport and fostering stronger community engagement.
From February to April 2025, Football Ontario will host a series of flag football events designed to showcase high-level competition. The flag football circuit, open to both Canadian and U.S. collegiate programs and competitive teams, will feature divisions for adult men and women.
Interested participants are asked to register at playflagontario.ca/. Registration includes tournament entry, jerseys and rental flag belts. Teams will be chosen on a first come first serve basis, with priority given to teams within the province of Ontario. The adult flag circuit includes the following events:
Feb. 15, 2025 – Adult Tournament Series First Qualifier
- St. Francis Xavier Indoor Dome
- Milton, ON
March 15, 2025 – Adult Tournament Series Second Qualifier
- BMO Centre London
- London, ON
April 5-6, 2025 – Collegiate Provincial Championship
- Tim Hortons Field
- Hamilton, ON
April 12, 2025 – Adult Tournament Series Championship
- Niagara, ON
The flagship program reflects Football Ontario's dedication to inclusion, development and excellence, positioning the province as a leader in both community and high-performance flag football. Each event will showcase top-tier competition, coaching and officiating while fostering valuable international connections between teams. Additionally, in support of women's and girls' flag football, the Collegiate Provincial Championship will bring together over 20 collegiate women's flag football programs from the leading colleges and universities across Ontario.
"Our partnership with the Detroit Lions marks a significant milestone in Football Ontario's mission to elevate flag football across the province," said Football Ontario Manager of Flag Football Development Olivia Ghosh-Swaby. "The Lions have demonstrated exceptional competitiveness this season, and with the NFL's support to grow the sport — especially for girls and women — this collaboration aligns perfectly with our goal of creating inclusive opportunities for athletes. We're excited to bring this energy and high-level competition to both male and female athletes and provide them with opportunities to engage and compete against teams across Canada and the U.S."
This partnership is part of the Detroit Lions' ongoing expansion into the Canadian market through the NFL's Global Markets Program rights, which were granted to the club in April 2024. Through events and collaborations with local partners, like Football Ontario, the Lions aim to inspire the next generation of players and build stronger fan communities in Canada.
"We are thrilled to partner with Football Ontario and support their mission of growing the game of football at all levels throughout the province," said Detroit Lions Chief Communications & Brand Officer Brian Facchini. "The NFL and the game of football continue to be unifying forces in our communities, and we are excited to build on the amazing Lions fan base and connection we have throughout Ontario and Canada."
By aligning with the NFL and focusing on inclusivity, Football Ontario and the Detroit Lions are dedicated to creating pathways for athletes to succeed in the sport, both on and off the field. Beyond the competition, these events will provide an exciting opportunity for athletes to build lifelong connections, support athletes as they pursue higher education, and further promote flag football as an accessible and growing sport.
