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Maryland Sanctions Girls' Flag Football as State Championship Sport Starting in 2026

The move underscores a nationwide surge in girls' flag football.

Overview

  • MPSSAA, which voted unanimously Friday, approved girls' flag football as its 26th state championship sport.
  • The inaugural season begins Aug. 12, 2026 with fall practices and will end with state title games in mid-November at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
  • MPSSAA will run three state tournament classifications based on school enrollment in the first season.
  • The Ravens, Under Armour and the Commanders have bankrolled the rollout, with the Ravens citing more than $1 million spent and providing uniforms to participating counties.
  • Participation has grown from 10 Frederick County teams in 2023 to well over 90 programs statewide, with team and MPSSAA figures placing the reach at roughly 130 schools.