The Detroit Lions have announced a new partnership with Football Ontario to expand flag football across the province.
The collaboration is designed to provide athletes with unique opportunities to connect with the National Football League and the Detroit Lions, reinforcing the club’s dedication to growing the sport and fostering stronger community engagement.
In turn, the Lions might find talent. Over the last four years under General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have seemingly scoured the globe for talent via the NFL Draft and other resources.
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.
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
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 more than 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,” says Olivia Ghosh-Swaby, manager of flag football development for Football Ontario.
The 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.
“We are thrilled to partner with Football Ontario and support their mission of growing the game of football at all levels throughout the province,” says Brian Facchini, chief communications and brand officer for the Detroit Lions. “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.”
Beyond the competition, the events will provide an 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.
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.
For more information, visit Football Ontario.
