Brett Gosper’s Vision: Flag Football at the 2028 Olympics and…

Brett Gosper, NFL’s head of Europe & Asia-Pacific, played a key role in securing flag football’s spot in the 2028 Olympics. With a rich advertising background, he utilized his experience to advocate for the sport’s growth, emphasizing grassroots engagement and international expansion. The NFL aims to further establish flag football as a core sport, while expanding its presence in global markets.

Brett Gosper, the NFL executive and former advertising professional, has successfully championed the inclusion of flag football in the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. With an extensive advertising background, mentored by renowned figure David Ogilvy, he authored notable slogans and led advertising agencies globally before transitioning to sports administration.

Currently serving as the NFL’s head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, Gosper utilized his persuasive skills in advertising to gain support within the NFL for flag football’s inclusion. He highlighted the collective effort of a dedicated leadership team and the unanimous buy-in from the NFL commissioner and owners.

Gosper’s connection to the Olympics runs deep; his father was an Olympic athlete and served on the IOC. This familial bond alongside his past experiences in Olympic sports administration influenced his understanding of the Olympic landscape and the need for engaging local audiences.

Drawing from his comprehensive background in rugby union’s promotion at the Olympics, Gosper conveyed how important it is to please both the organizing committee and the IOC. He acknowledged that new sports can provide distinct personalities to the Olympics, which helps engage local communities.

Flag football, recognized for its accessibility, currently has around 20 million players globally. Gosper aims for its Olympic presence to lead to its establishment as a core sport, enhancing both grassroots development and international reach beyond the 2028 Games.

Since the pandemic, the NFL has expanded its international games. Germany hosted its fourth regular-season game and South America will debut in 2024. Gosper emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent presence in international markets to sustain and grow interest in American football.

Upcoming NFL games in 2025 are expected to include more international locations, including Spain and potentially Dublin. Gosper pointed out the economic benefits cities reap from hosting these events, and the unique exposure that the NFL offers compared to other sports.

To optimize viewership, the NFL plans to increase the number of games hosted in Europe. This strategy aligns with the goal of capitalizing on favorable broadcast times, thus enhancing engagement among American fans watching from overseas.

Brett Gosper’s extensive advertising background significantly contributed to the inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics. His understanding of the Olympic movement, combined with strategic international expansions, positions the NFL for greater global outreach. By establishing flag football as a long-term Olympic sport, the NFL aims to boost grassroots development and secure its place on the international stage. Additionally, promoting consistent international games will capitalize on economic benefits for host cities, enhancing the sport’s visibility.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com