CFL players could compete for Canada at 2028 Summer Olympics
The Canadian Football League could have athletes competing on the world stage at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
With flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, the CFL Board of Governors unanimously approved player participation in LA28. It’ll be the first time that CFL players have had a chance to represent their countries at the Olympics.
Though participation is now approved, it will be up to each country’s National Olympic Committees to select players.
This provides a unique risk for the league, as the Olympics will be taking place in the middle of the CFL season. Commissioner Stewart Johnston mentioned this risk in a statement, but believes the Olympic opportunity is worth it.
“Representing your country in best-on-best competition is a tremendous honour,” Johnston said. “Despite the Summer Olympics taking place during our season, the Board of Governors recognized the wealth of opportunities provided by competing on international sport’s biggest stage.
“Our incredible players will have a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they can showcase the best of the CFL for all the world to see, and they can play a significant part in growing the game across Canada and around the world.”
The six-team flag football tournament is set to feature rosters of 10 players with five-on-five play. There will be both a men’s and a women’s tournament coinciding with each other, with games being played at L.A.’s Exhibition Stadium between July 15 and 22.
It remains to be seen which countries will fill out the event, outside of the host United States, but considering the popularity of football in North America, Canada will likely be a top contender to make the cut.
Both the men’s and women’s senior flag football teams have qualified and will compete in the upcoming World Championships in Germany next year. There is a chance that some CFL players could replace members of the current flag football team once the Olympics roll around.
It opens up the potential for a Team Canada squad to be led by superstar BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke.
Will we see Nathan Rourke bring home a gold medal for Canada at the 2028 Olympics? 🍁🥇 pic.twitter.com/XEQNZ7OrUk
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) November 10, 2025
Canadians and Americans mostly make up the CFL, but there are a total of 37 global players currently under contract in the league, which represent an additional 16 countries.
The CFLPA was ecstatic about the decision and what it represents to the players.
“Seeing our members compete on the world stage will not only showcase the tremendous talent within the CFL, but also serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of players,” said CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian.
Though the exact plan for how the league will handle a mid-season disruption has not been revealed, there is still just under three years left until the LA28 Summer Olympic Games get underway.