Abu Dhabi to Host NFL Flag Football With Bitcoin Rewards for Winners

Abu Dhabi is set to host its inaugural National Football League (NFL) event, combining the thrill of flag football with cutting-edge cryptocurrency innovation. Scheduled for December 10th, the Bitball Flag Football showdown will take place during the UAE capital’s Bitcoin MENA Conference 2024. 

This landmark event will feature a lineup of NFL legends, including Super Bowl champion Russell Okung, who famously became the first professional athlete to receive his salary in Bitcoin. Joining Okung are over 22 football stars such as Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Dez Bryant, and Michael Thomas, along with other celebrated players like Johnson Bademosi, Jurrell Casey, and Mohammad Sanu. 

In a unique twist, winners of the Bitball event will be rewarded in Bitcoin, underscoring the event’s focus on blending sports, technology, and financial innovation. Organisers highlight that the game reflects the collaborative spirit of the Bitcoin community, with Okung’s advocacy for financial sovereignty at the heart of the initiative. 

Flag football, which has seen a surge in global popularity, was recently named the official game of the NFL Pro Bowl and will feature in the 2028 Summer Olympics. This Abu Dhabi match, part of the International Federation of American Football’s expanding network, is expected to further cement the sport’s presence on the world stage.