It's one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. but not fully sanctioned in all states.
Yes.
The Minnesota Vikings sponsored girls flag football in partnership with the Sioux Falls School District’s Community Learning Centers (CLCs).
The Vikings covered all startup costs, including coaching staff, uniforms and equipment. More than 200 high school and middle school students are participating in the program through the CLCs.
The sport was added to the NCAA’s emerging women’s sport list in January. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the country at the youth, high school and collegiate levels, according to the NCAA. Twenty-four states have state-sanctioned championships for the sport.
Flag football will debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics, which are being hosted in Los Angeles.
Since 2022, the Minnesota Vikings have invested more than $2 million to expand girls flag football. In 2026, the Minnesota high school league expanded into Iowa and North Dakota, in addition to South Dakota.
Sources
The Associated Press, A new football title chase lies ahead as women’s flag football closes in on NCAA championship status
NCAA, NCAA adds flag football to Emerging Sports for Women program
LA 28, Flag football
Sioux Falls School District, Sioux Falls School District Partners with Minnesota Vikings to Launch Girls Flag Football
KELO-TV, Flag football kicks off season at Howard Wood Field
NFL Flag, Girls High School Varsity Flag Football
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