Flag football is taking off.
More kids, more girls, more schools — and the Olympics in 2028. Here's what the numbers say.
America's rising sport
Girls playing high school flag
2024–25 school year, the most ever recorded.
Source: NFHS Participation SurveyGrowth in one year
Girls high school flag football had the biggest jump of any girls sport from 2023–24 to 2024–25.
Source: NFHS via ParityMore kids playing regularly
Flag was the only team sport measured that grew regular child participation over a five-year span.
Source: Aspen Institute Project Play (SFIA data)Olympic debut
Flag football joins the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, for men and women.
Source: International Olympic CommitteeAmericans in team sports
Team sports passed 90 million participants for the first time in 2025 — a bigger pool of families looking for a game.
Source: SFIA 2026 Topline ReportHigh school athletes
Record total in 2024–25, with flag football one of the fastest-rising sports.
Source: NFHS Participation SurveyFigures reviewed October 2026. Numbers change each season as new reports are released.
Why it's growing
Easy to start
Cleats, a flag belt and a ball. No helmets or pads, and any patch of grass works.
Less contact
Flags replace tackling, so parents of young kids feel comfortable signing up.
Girls are leading it
Schools and leagues are adding girls leagues and varsity teams in more states each year.
A real pathway
Rec league → high school → college → Olympics. Kids can see where the sport goes.
Small rosters
5-on-5 means every child touches the ball and gets real playing time.