The International Flag League has secured a major media ally, announcing a new partnership with iHeartRadio that leaders from both organizations believe will accelerate the sport’s growth and broaden its global footprint at a pivotal time for flag football.
The organization, formerly known as USA Flag, has built its reputation as the world’s largest flag football tournament operator, staging events across multiple countries while positioning itself as a driving force behind the sport’s international expansion.
Now operating under the iFlag banner, the league aims to scale that growth by tapping into iHeartRadio’s vast distribution network, which spans broadcast radio, podcasts, streaming, digital platforms and social channels and reaches more than 250 million listeners each month.
Executives say the agreement centers on cross-promotion and storytelling, with iHeartRadio amplifying iFlag tournaments, athlete profiles and recruitment initiatives through its multi-platform ecosystem while also integrating league content into its sports and community-focused programming. Rather than functioning as a traditional sponsorship, the collaboration is designed to intertwine the brands in a way that fuels awareness and deepens audience engagement.
Michael Biondo, president of business development and strategic partnerships for iHeartMedia, framed the move as part of the company’s broader strategy to support emerging sports properties that demonstrate momentum and grassroots appeal.
“This partnership with the International Flag League showcases iHeart’s commitment to supporting emerging sports and the communities that champion them,” said Biondo. “By combining iFlag’s explosive growth with iHeart’s unmatched reach, we’re creating new opportunities for athletes, fans and brands to engage with the sport like never before.”
Charles Davis, co-founder and co-CEO of the International Flag League, described the alliance as a significant step forward not only for the organization but also for the sport at large, noting that access to a national audio platform gives the league a powerful tool to elevate competitors and expand into new markets. He emphasized that the partnership will help spotlight stories of inclusion and opportunity that have fueled the game’s expansion across youth, amateur and international levels.
The timing carries added weight as flag football continues to gain mainstream traction, drawing increased participation numbers and greater visibility on the global sports calendar. League officials believe sustained exposure across iHeartRadio’s channels will strengthen recruitment pipelines, drive tournament attendance and attract corporate partners seeking to align with a fast-growing property.
For iHeartRadio, the partnership offers direct access to a younger, digitally engaged audience that already consumes sports content across multiple platforms and values year-round interaction beyond marquee events. For iFlag, it delivers a media megaphone capable of carrying its message into communities where the sport continues to take root.
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