The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour have partnered with Baltimore County Public Schools and St. Mary's County Public Schools to provide grant funding and uniforms that will further develop high school girls flag football in the fall of 2026.
The addition of Baltimore and St. Mary's Counties brings 27 new schools into the program, increasing total participation to 132 high schools. With continued year-over-year growth, girls flag football is rapidly progressing toward its ultimate goal of becoming a state-sanctioned sport that will create lasting opportunities for female student-athletes statewide.
To date, the Ravens have provided over $1 million in total funding to further their girls flag initiative across Maryland. (Each participating team will receive $10,000 in funding to help support the development and sustainability of the program at their respective schools.) Under Armour – a leading inventor, marketer and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories – will continue to outfit custom uniforms for each team.
"As we enter the fourth year of girls high school flag football in Maryland, we're proud to partner with Baltimore County, home of our Under Armour Performance Center," Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs stated. "We're also excited that the addition of St. Mary's secures full commitment from the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference. As we move closer to statewide sanctioning, we believe the sport is well-positioned for continued growth in 2026 and beyond. We remain just as committed in Year Four as we were at the outset and will continue to provide grant funding and uniforms alongside Under Armour to schools across the state. We strongly believe that female athletes should have the opportunity to play football throughout Maryland, and we are working diligently to make that vision a reality."
This marks the fourth year of the Ravens' girls flag football initiative, which launched in 2023 with all 10 public high schools in Frederick County participating in its inaugural season. In 2024, the program expanded with the addition of 43 new schools from Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Washington County, and in 2025, 24 new schools joined across Calvert County, Charles County and Howard County. Prince George's County (26 schools) also joined in 2025 through continued collaboration with the Washington Commanders.
Girls flag football has seen steady growth beyond Maryland in recent years. Highlighted by numerous NFL endorsements and partnerships, the sport has become more widely offered for girls and women nationwide and globally. In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of flag football to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the NCAA has recognized it as an emerging sport.
Please find below key quotes from leaders representing the programs being added in 2026:
Micheal Sye – Baltimore County Public Schools, Director of Athletics
"Girls' flag football is more than a new sport – it's a movement that expands opportunity and redefines what's possible. Every time our female student athletes step onto the field, they show strength, courage and the unstoppable power of believing in themselves. This program builds confidence, leadership, and resilience, creating athletes who will inspire future generations and change the game far beyond the sidelines."
Ryan Hanley – St. Mary's County Public Schools, Supervisor of Athletics
"Adding girls flag football in St. Mary's County is a game-changer for our student-athletes. With the support of the Baltimore Ravens, we're not just expanding opportunities – we're creating a true varsity pathway for girls to compete, lead and represent their schools at the highest level."
