The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) announced on Apr. 24 that it will sanction girls flag football as a state championship sport, with the first season set for Fall 2026 and title games to be played at M&T Bank Stadium.
This move marks a milestone for female student-athletes in Maryland, offering them new opportunities to compete at the highest level of high school sports. The decision is the result of a multi-year partnership between the Baltimore Ravens and MPSSAA, with support from Under Armour.
According to the announcement, more than 130 schools across Maryland now participate in girls flag football after starting as a pilot program in 2023. The Ravens have provided over $1 million in funding and uniforms through Under Armour since launching the initiative. Girls flag student-athletes from several counties are attending this year’s NFL Draft to celebrate the sanctioning of their sport.
“This is a significant day for both the Baltimore Ravens and the entire state of Maryland,” said Sashi Brown, president of the Ravens. “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.”
Andy Warner, executive director of MPSSAA, said: “The addition of girls’ flag football as Maryland’s 26th state championship sport is a landmark moment for our 120,000 annual participants… 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 from Under Armour 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.”
Since its start in Frederick County last year with help from ten county school systems—and recent support from organizations like Washington Commanders—the program has expanded statewide.
Maryland becomes the nineteenth U.S. state formally recognizing girls flag football at this level; more than one hundred collegiate programs now offer opportunities nationwide as interest continues ahead of its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
Further details about scheduling or format changes will be released closer to Fall 2026.
