Girls flag football is getting closer to becoming an official high school sport in Texas, and the momentum behind the game continues to grow.
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Legislative Council approved a proposal Monday to launch a girls flag football pilot program beginning in the 2028-29 school year. The pilot would include no more than two conferences and still needs final approval from the Texas Commissioner of Education.
While there are still a few hurdles to clear, the decision represents a major victory for athletes, coaches and supporters who have spent years pushing for girls flag football to receive UIL recognition.
And judging by the sport's rapid growth, the timing couldn't be better.
Girls flag football has exploded in popularity across the country, with 25 states expected to sanction the sport by fall 2027. Texas could soon join that growing list.
The interest is already there in the Lone Star State.
A UIL survey conducted this fall found that 52% of Class 6A and 5A superintendents support adding girls flag football as a sanctioned sport. The survey also revealed that 165 Texas schools currently offer the game.
Two of the biggest supporters have been the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys, who have spent multiple years helping build girls flag football programs across Texas.
Their efforts are paying off in a big way.
According to the Houston Chronicle's Jon Poorman, participation in programs supported by the two NFL franchises is expected to grow to more than 270 schools and approximately 6,000 athletes by 2027.
The Texans and Cowboys also helped make history in June by hosting the first girls flag football state championship at DATCU Stadium on the University of North Texas campus.
Rockwall-Heath walked away with bragging rights after defeating Houston Memorial 25-6 in the championship game.
For the players involved, it was another opportunity to compete for a state title while showcasing just how far the sport has come.
And the opportunities aren't stopping at the high school level.
In January, the NCAA added flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, creating a potential pathway toward becoming an official NCAA championship sport.
Rowing, beach volleyball and water polo are among the sports that previously followed that path.
That could eventually mean more college opportunities for Texas athletes who want to continue playing after graduation.
One major question remains unanswered: When would Texas play its girls flag football season?
Monday's proposal didn't establish a spot on the UIL calendar.
Other states have taken different approaches. Georgia plays in the fall, with its state championships scheduled for Dec. 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. New York plays in the spring, with its previous state championships taking place June 6-7.
Texas will eventually have to make that decision.
For now, though, the biggest takeaway is simple.
Girls flag football is growing, the athletes are showing up, and Texas is moving closer to giving them an official UIL stage.
