Saudi-Flag football game with Tom Brady moving amid Middle East tensions

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The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is moving from Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, according to NFL Network and The Athletic.

It will likely move to BMO Stadium, which will host flag football at the 2028 Olympics.

Built specifically for soccer, the stadium is home to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League.

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Turki Alalshikh with Riyadh Season and Tom Brady join as they join Fanatics, FOX Sports and OBB Media to announce their inaugural football event at Allegiant Stadium on Monday, September 15, 2025 in Las Vegas. (LE Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The event was originally scheduled to take place on March 21.

Rob Gronkowski and others are scheduled to attend the event, which was originally scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Brady and Jayden Daniels will be the quarterbacks.

“It’s a multi-year commitment,” Brady said in September. “Obviously we’re off to a good start. The first year is kind of where everyone’s attention and energy is. It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything like this, but all the players I’ve talked to are excited to play.

“Obviously with the Olympics coming up in 2028, I think it’s every NFL player’s first exposure to that and I wouldn’t miss being a part of that.”

Tom Brady with the New England Patriots. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Brady collaborated with Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the field, bring the power of competition to life alongside some of the game’s brightest stars and iconic legends, and bring a truly unique global sporting event to fans everywhere during the Riyadh season,” Brady added in a press release. “I’ve always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages, and it’s fantastic to be able to showcase the sport on such a global stage while bringing together so many incredibly talented athletes.”

Gronkowski, who is an analyst on FOX Sports like Brady, said his earlier New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammate asked him to be a part of the flag football event.