BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens are doubling down on their commitment to equity in athletics, announcing a major expansion of their girls high school flag football initiative in partnership with Under Armour and two additional school systems across the state.
Now entering its fourth year, the program will welcome Baltimore County Public Schools and St. Mary’s County Public Schools into the fold for the fall 2026 season. The expansion adds 27 new schools, bringing total participation to 132 high schools statewide — a milestone that reflects both rapid growth and rising demand for girls flag football opportunities.
Backed by more than $1 million in total investment to date, the initiative continues to provide meaningful resources for participating schools. Each team will receive $10,000 in grant funding to support program development and sustainability, while Under Armour will supply custom uniforms, ensuring student-athletes are equipped both competitively and professionally.
Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs emphasized the significance of the expansion, particularly with Baltimore County’s inclusion as home to the Under Armour Performance Center and the addition of St. Mary’s County, which solidifies full participation from the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference.
“We strongly believe that female athletes should have the opportunity to play football throughout Maryland,” Downs said. “We are working diligently to make that vision a reality.”
What began in 2023 with just 10 schools in Frederick County has quickly evolved into a statewide movement. The program expanded in 2024 to include Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Washington County, followed by additional growth in 2025 across Calvert, Charles, and Howard counties. Washington Commanders also partnered to bring 26 schools from Prince George’s County into the initiative.
For school leaders, the impact goes far beyond the field.
“Girls’ flag football is more than a new sport — it’s a movement that expands opportunity and redefines what’s possible,” said Micheal Sye, Director of Athletics for Baltimore County Public Schools. “This program builds confidence, leadership, and resilience, creating athletes who will inspire future generations.”
Ryan Hanley, Supervisor of Athletics for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, echoed that sentiment, calling the addition “a game-changer” that creates a true varsity pathway for female athletes to compete and lead.
The growth of girls flag football in Maryland mirrors a broader national and global surge in popularity. With support from the NFL and its partners, the sport has gained significant traction — culminating in a historic announcement by the International Olympic Committee that flag football will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The NCAA has also recognized the sport as an emerging collegiate opportunity for women.
As Maryland moves closer to officially sanctioning girls flag football as a state sport, the Ravens’ continued investment signals a long-term commitment not just to athletics, but to access, representation, and the future of young women in sports.
With momentum building each year, what started as a pilot program is now shaping up to be a defining chapter in the evolution of high school athletics across the state — one flag at a time.