Girls flag football sees rapid growth in high schools
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More than 102,000 girls played high school flag football during the 2025-26 school year, a surge driven by increased sanctioning of the sport by state athletic associations.
Just two years ago, only 12 states officially recognized girls flag football as a varsity sport. Now, 23 states and Washington, D.C. do so, with nearly 4,000 schools fielding teams. The National Federation of State High School Associations reported a 551% increase in participation over the last four years.
The NFL supports this expansion by investing funds to create and grow high school programs and promoting the sport nationally. Beyond high school, flag football will become an Olympic sport in 2028. At least 40 universities currently offer flag football as a varsity sport for college athletes.
While the sport’s growth is clear, it remains unknown whether flag football attracts girls who had not previously participated in high school athletics or draws them away from other established sports like lacrosse and softball. Girls wrestling is also experiencing a boom, with all 50 states now reporting participation and 40 holding championships.
