The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has officially announced that it will sanction a state championship event for girls’ flag football, beginning in spring 2026, marking a historic milestone for the rapidly growing sport in Ohio.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Canton, featuring representatives from the NFL, the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the NFL FLAG Championships presented by Toyota.
Explosive Growth Drives Decision
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute revealed that the organization has been collaborating with Ohio flag football leaders for several years. The numbers tell a remarkable growth story: from just 20 schools with teams three years ago to 80 high schools currently fielding teams, with expectations for continued expansion.
“We are pleased that the OHSAA Board of Directors has approved the sanctioning of girls’ flag football as an OHSAA-sponsored championship event,” said Ute. “Flag football is growing rapidly, and we look forward to working closely with teams, coaches, and schools to help that growth.”
NFL Partnership Fuels Development
The Cleveland Browns pioneered Ohio’s girls’ flag football movement in 2021 with the creation of the first Girls High School Flag Football division in Northeast Ohio. The Browns hold the unique distinction of being the only NFL club that sits on a board for a high school football coaches association.
In 2024, the Browns initiated discussions with the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association about adding a girls’ flag football division, leading to the official inclusion of the sport with the creation of Region 18.
National Momentum Building
Ohio joins 16 other high school state associations that have sanctioned girls’ flag football with state tournaments. The sport’s momentum extends beyond high school, with 100 college club and varsity programs adding flag football. Notably, flag football will make its debut as a new sport in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Championship Foundation Already Established
Girls flag football will remain a spring sport in Ohio. The Browns and Bengals already hosted an inaugural Girls High School Flag Football State Championship in May at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, where Hamilton Badin High School claimed the first state title over Willoughby South High School.
Industry Leaders Celebrate Historic Decision
“Ohio becoming the latest state to sanction girls’ flag football is a testament to the strong growth and appeal of the sport,” said Stephanie Kwok, NFL Vice President, Head of Flag Football. “This is an exciting time with 17 states having sanctioned girls’ flag football.”
Cleveland Browns Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam emphasized the broader impact: “We have seen firsthand how powerful the game of football can be in shaping confidence, leadership and community, and we are proud that more young women will have the chance to experience that same growth.”
Cincinnati Bengals Director of Strategy and Engagement Elizabeth Blackburn added: “Flag football is more than a sport — it’s a platform for teamwork, leadership, development, and community.”
Looking Ahead
Competition dates and the 2026 state tournament schedule will be determined soon. The announcement comes as ESPN, ABC, Disney, and the NFL provide extensive coverage of this weekend’s NFL FLAG Championships presented by Toyota, including 15 games from the girls’ high school division.
This historic decision positions Ohio as a leader in expanding opportunities for female athletes while contributing to the national growth of flag football as it prepares for its Olympic debut.
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