The Buffalo Bills will host a record-setting showcase of girls flag football this weekend, bringing together more than 70 high school teams for the 2026 High School Girls Flag Football Kickoff.
The three-day event, scheduled for Friday through Sunday at the team’s indoor training facility, marks the largest kickoff since its inception in 2022 and will feature approximately 1,750 athletes from across Western New York, including programs from Sections V, VI and Monsignor Martin.
“Flag football is growing quickly in the United States, especially in Western New York,” said Pete Guelli, President of Business Operations. “We are proud to help raise awareness and create more opportunities for young women to play. We’re excited to host this weekend’s Girls Flag Kickoff, which will bring together over 70 high school teams and 1,750 athletes from Buffalo and Rochester.”
In addition to preseason scrimmages, participating teams will take part in a media day experience, including photo opportunities, social media activations and interviews with local outlets.
Anthony Volpe delivers grand slam, career-high five RBI in return as Yankees sweep Rockies The event highlights the rapid growth of girls flag football in New York. The sport launched at the high school level in 2022 with just 20 teams in Western New York. Today, 255 public schools across the state field teams, including 91 in the Western New York region. The sport became state-sanctioned in 2023, and the first NYSPHSAA state championships were held in 2024, with Western New York programs capturing three of the five titles.
The momentum extends beyond the high school level. The Bills are in their second year of a three-year pilot initiative supporting modified girls flag football, with 32 schools receiving grant funding and equipment this year. Nationally, the sport continues to gain traction after being added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program, a step toward full collegiate sponsorship. Women’s flag football is also set to debut at the 2028 Olympics.
The weekend kickoff will feature six sessions of scrimmages, beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Schools from across the Buffalo and Rochester regions will rotate through sessions at the Bills Training Center.
Fans can follow the season through the Bills Mobile app, which includes a dedicated girls flag football section with highlights, standings and weekly awards.
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