SANTA MONICA, CA — January 21, 2026 — The American 7s Football League (A7FL®) and the Beach Football League (BFL) are coming together for a marquee exhibition event in Santa Monica, bringing padless full-contact football from turf to sand on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Perry’s Beach Café.
The partnership will debut with a high-profile showdown event featuring A7FL All-Stars vs. BFL Select Team.
The event sets up a compelling crossover between two leagues defining the emerging category of full-contact football without traditional equipment. While the A7FL has spent over a decade defining and refining the elite 7-on-7 full-contact football on turf, the BFL is translating that same physical, high-skill intensity into the sand, creating a one-of-a-kind stage for athletes and an unforgettable experience for fans.
“This isn’t just about one event,” said Sener Korkusuz, CEO of the A7FL. “It’s about creating a larger ecosystem for no-pads, no-helmets football. The A7FL set the standard. The BFL is pushing it into a new environment. Together, we’re giving players more opportunities and fans something they’ve never seen before.”
“Beach football is the purest atmosphere for the game. Everyone loves the beach, and most people already bring a football with them,” said Tully Banta-Cain, CEO of the BFL. “Partnering with the A7FL brings two like-minded football cultures together. This event proves elite football doesn’t need traditional equipment or traditional venues.”
Strategically, the collaboration lays the groundwork for deeper alignment between American 7s Football and Beach Football, positioning both organizations to accelerate growth, attract new commercial partners, and create a sustainable pathway for athletes, media, and sponsors around a differentiated version of the sport.
Additional details regarding team rosters, fan experiences, media distribution, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
About the A7FL
Founded in 2014, the American 7s Football League (A7FL®) is a full-contact, semi-professional football league delivering a faster, more dynamic, and highly watchable format of America’s favorite sport. The league features 7-on-7 full-contact gameplay without helmets or pads, resulting in continuous action and highlight-driven football built for modern audiences.
Now entering its 12th season, A7FL has established a national presence and earned recognition for authentic competition, viral moments, and athlete-first storytelling. The A7FL boasts over 875K social media followers and partnerships with DAZN, FOX Soul, Triller TV, Stadium, Atmosphere TV, and Lights Out Sports. For a taste of A7FL action, visit A7FL.TV.
About the BFL
Beach Football League, founded in 2024 by Tully Banta-Cain, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, is redefining the game with sand-based full-contact football that brings full-contact football to America’s most iconic beaches. Featuring top talent from across the nation, including former NFL players, the BFL combines athleticism, skill, and spectacle on the most iconic beaches in the United States. Visit BeachFootballLeague.com to learn more.
Media Contact:
A7FL Communications
press@a7fl.com
www.a7fl.com
