Tom Brady Shoots Down $75M Saudi Flag Football Payday Rumor

Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports claimed that Tom Brady will be paid $75 million for participating in the flag football competition in Riyadh next year.

Tom Brady Shoots Down $75M Saudi Flag Football Payday Rumor

Tom Brady to play flag football in Riyadh (Image via Imago)

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The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is one of the eagerly awaited events on the 2026 Sports Calendar for many Americans. The event, set to be hosted at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on March 21st next year, is set to feature the return of the legendary quarterback and 7-time champion Tom Brady.

Following the announcement of Tom Brady’s return, Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports made a bold claim, stating he was told by trusted sources that Saudi Arabia is reportedly paying the quarterback a hefty sum of 75 million US dollars for his participation. Portnoy even requested Brady to come on his show and explain.

Brady has now rejected the same and ripped into Portnoy for coming up with the absurd claim. He claimed that Portnoy was picking random numbers and reporting them. Brady wrote on X:

Are we just picking numbers out of a hat and reporting them? While we’re breaking news… Elvis is doing the halftime show, and babe Ruth is gonna sign some autographs for fans. Also I heard Dave prefers floppy pizza. Who cares about facts right?

The event will feature a round-robin format leading to a championship game between the top two teams, according to a FOX Sports release. FOX Sports will broadcast the tournament live. Tom Brady is not the only famous personality scheduled to participate in the Fanatics Football Classic. Saquon Barkley, Maxx Crosby, CeeDee Lamb, and Christian McCaffrey are among the few who have signed up to show up in Riyadh.

The three coaches are currently rumored to be Pete Caroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. The teams will consist of professional NFL athletes and celebrities, a prime entertainment in the offseason. The interest in flag football is associated with the inclusion of flag football at the Summer Olympics 2028, with NFL players allowed to take part.

Flag Football is another step in Saudi Arabia’s bid to become a global sports powerhouse

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most assertive and strategic players in the global sports arena. The country, once primarily recognized for its oil wealth and religious significance, is now channeling its resources into becoming a global sports powerhouse.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr, a team in the Saudi Pro League (Image via ESPN)

At the heart of this shift is Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s long-term plan to diversify its economy beyond oil and foster cultural and economic growth through sectors like tourism, entertainment, and sports. The Jeddah Grand Prix has become a routine stop on the Formula One calendar since 2021. The event is designated to run until 2027, which may be extended further.

The race is known for being the fastest race in the league, with the cars averaging around 160 miles per hour. The Kingdom has also pushed into global recognition in soccer with its Saudi Pro League. The Saudi Pro League has several high-profile soccer players, including the highest goalscorer in history, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The push had also landed them the bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, they have also established a rival to the traditional PGA Tour in Golf with their own LIV Golf and have also become a hub for esports competition with a grand esports World Cup in 2024 and 2025.

Saudi Arabia is also the host of the 2027 Olympic Esports Games, 2029 Asian Winter Games, and 2034 Asian Games. They are also running for the bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Critics, however, argue that these massive investments are a form of “sportswashing,” a strategy to polish the country’s image and divert attention from human rights concerns.

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