MENA Freedom 250 NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship

Who can apply

• Not-for-profit organizations, including sports diplomacy implementers, cultural exchange organizations, and civil society/NGOs with demonstrated experience in international sports programming
• Public and private educational institutions with athletics or exchange programming capacity
• Public international organizations and governmental institutions with relevant sports programming experience
• For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as prime recipients but may be engaged as in-kind partners under the Recipient's award.

About this grant

Under the U.S. Department of State–NFL Sports Diplomacy Partnership, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia announces an open competition to implement the "MENA Freedom 250" NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship, culminating in a March 2027 regional championship event in Riyadh. This 12-month program will establish a foundational development pipeline for MENA flag football athletes inspired by the sport's upcoming debut at the LA28 Summer Games, support participating countries in organizing national outreach events and youth programs, and leverage iconic American cultural exports to advance U.S. influence, economic interests, and sport-governance leadership.