NFL sends warning to teams about players joining Saudi Arabia flag football event

NFL teams face a decision regarding player participation in the Saudi Arabia flag football event. The league clarifies that injuries during the tournament are not NFL-covered. Teams hold the power to approve or deny player involvement. Players participate at their own risk, with insurance similar to the Pro Bowl. Dallas Cowboys have permitted CeeDee Lamb to join.

NFL sends warning to teams about players joining Saudi Arabia flag football event (Image via Getty)

The NFL has issued a clear directive to all teams regarding the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia. The league emphasizes that this is not an NFL-sanctioned event, and any injuries sustained during the tournament will be classified as Non-Football Injuries, meaning they are not covered under player contracts or the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Teams now face a critical decision: allow players to participate or deny permission, balancing league rules, player safety, and approvals.

Teams hold exclusive authority over player participation decisions

The league's memo makes it unmistakably clear: “[I]t is within your Club’s exclusive discretion whether any player under contract on your roster may participate in the Event,” the NFL states. Teams that decide to grant permission must provide written notice to the player, highlighting that participation is at the player’s own risk. The memo also cites the contract rule: “Without prior written consent of the Club, Player will not play football or engage in activities related to football otherwise than for Club or engage in any activity other than football which may involve a significant risk of personal injury. ” This gives teams complete control over participation and ensures players are fully aware of the risks before stepping onto the field. According to Pro Football Talk, eight players have received team approval to participate in the event. The memo adds that these players “will be covered by the same type of insurance that the NFL uses for the Pro Bowl, the Olympics, other sporting events involving active players.” This coverage protects both the players and the teams against potential financial losses arising from injuries during the tournament. Still, any injury remains a Non-Football Injury, meaning there is no roster relief or contractual protection.

Dallas Cowboys already granted permission to CeeDee Lamb

So far, the Dallas Cowboys are the only team to publicly allow wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to participate. It is unclear whether the team has committed to paying Lamb if he were to get injured. Other teams remain cautious, aware that granting permission carries potential risks while respecting the player’s interest in joining the event.

Saudi flag football event gains global attention quickly

The Saudi Arabia flag football tournament is not just an exhibition—it highlights flag football’s growing international presence, with the sport slated for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The event is expected to draw significant attention worldwide, showcasing high-profile NFL players while testing teams’ management of participation, rules, and risk mitigation.

Participation decisions require careful risk assessment

As the tournament approaches, teams must weigh the potential benefits against the inherent risks. The NFL memo leaves no gray area: players participate entirely at their own risk, and clubs must make informed decisions in line with league rules, contracts, and insurance coverage. Also read: "He's one of us": Fans praise Bradley Cooper's loyalty streaming Philadelphia Eagles' Week 2 win during date with Gigi Hadid

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