Flag football gains ground in Washington state

Washington is one of 17 states where girls flag football is now an official varsity sport with its own state championship.

• Washington's move reflects a broader shift as flag football gains traction nationwide, opening new pathways for girls in the sport.
• The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association voted to sanction girls flag football last year, making it the first new sport added since 1999.

The NFL is investing in women's flag football, and the Olympics plans to debut the sport in 2028.