The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) announced on April 24 that it will officially sanction girls flag football as a state championship sport, with the first season set for Fall 2026 and the title games to be held at M&T Bank Stadium.
This decision is seen as an important development for female student-athletes in Maryland, offering them new opportunities to participate in high school sports. The move follows several years of collaboration between the Baltimore Ravens and MPSSAA to expand access to girls flag football throughout the state.
Since launching a pilot program in Frederick County in 2023, the initiative has grown rapidly. More than 130 schools across Maryland now participate, supported by over $1 million in funding from the Ravens and uniform donations from Under Armour. The Washington Commanders also joined these efforts by supporting programs in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County starting in 2025.
Ravens president Sashi Brown said, “This is a significant day for both the Baltimore Ravens and the entire state of Maryland. The momentum generated since the launch of our girls flag football pilot program in 2023 has led to this landmark sanctioning announcement. I want to acknowledge our partners at the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association and Under Armour for their continued commitment to this shared vision. We set out to create meaningful and equitable opportunities for girls to participate in football across the state, and now, we are seeing that vision realized. We know that today’s young female athletes will be prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
MPSSAA executive director Andy Warner said, “The addition of girls’ flag football as Maryland’s 26th state championship sport is a landmark moment for our 120,000 annual participants. This achievement fulfills a vision we set in 2021 when we first approached the Baltimore Ravens regarding expanding female student-athlete opportunities through this initiative. By elevating girls’ flag football to a championship level, we reaffirm our commitment to providing inclusive, high-impact and education-based opportunities for high school female student-athletes in the state.” Flynn Burch, Under Armour director of global impact added: “Sanctioning girls high school flag football isn’t just about adding another sport, it’s about opening doors. It gives young women the chance to compete, to lead, and to grow into confident, disciplined individuals who succeed both on the field and in every part of their lives.”
Maryland becomes the nineteenth state nationwide to recognize girls flag football at this level as interest continues growing across America; more than one hundred collegiate programs offer related opportunities nationally with plans underway for its debut at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Further details about scheduling or tournament structure are expected closer to Fall 2026.
