The National Football League and its two New York City teams will be official supporters of Gay Bowl XIX when it’s held in the Big Apple this October 10-13, the New York Gay Football League has announced.

The NFL, the New York Giants and the New York Jets Foundation have come together to commit support for the annual LGBTQ flag football tournament, including an undisclosed financial contribution.

Thanks to everyone who made Outsports Pride a success! Outsports celebrated Pride, and its 20th anniversary, in Los Angeles during LA Pride, and we were blown away by all of the amazing people who made the weekend such a success. Special thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers for being our lead sponsor, and to UCLA for hosting the inspiring Outsports Pride Summit. See you in 2020!

New York Gay Football League commissioner Monty Clinton, whose organization is hosting the event, said the support of these pro football entities will help build a top-notch event for LGBTQ athletes from across North America, as well as continue to effect positive change in sports.

“This year is especially meaningful, as it comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and World Pride NYC,” Clinton said. The 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City are credited with igniting the modern-day LGBTQ-rights movement. “What better way to celebrate the amazing strides that the LGBTQ+ community has made than to add our unified football community to the collective voices that will mark this important occasion.”

The first Gay Bowl took place in 2002 in Los Angeles. New York previously hosted the Gay Bowl in 2007. The New York Gay Football League was founded 15 years ago, with the women’s division being created five years later. This year organizers expect about 60 teams from about 25 cities.

The New England Patriots previously supported the Gay Bowl in 2017, including a $25,000 donation and an appearance by team owner Robert Kraft. The Denver Broncos supported the event last year when it was hosted in Denver. The Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks have also recently announced they are working with their local LGBTQ flag football leagues.