In collaboration with the New Orleans Saints, the Mississippi High School Activities Association announced Tuesday that girls high school flag football will be an officially sanctioned sport starting in the spring of 2025.
The partnership supports a growing effort to provide more girls access to athletics across the state, and the pilot season will feature 12 high schools.
The schools included in the program will be McComb, South Pike, Brandon, East Central, George County, Meridian, Richland, St. Martin and Vancleave.
"We are trilled to partner with the MHSAA and bring the excitement of girls flag football to the state of Mississippi," said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints. "This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the league grow, offering more young women the chance to experience the joy and empowerment that sports bring."
Games will take place at Southwest Mississippi Community College and Picayune High School. The inaugural season is set to kick off in late March.
Mississippi marks the 14th state that has sanctioned girls flag football, and the sport will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
