Chiefs launch girls flag football campaign ahead of Kansas vote

The Kansas City Chiefs are ramping up their push to expand girls flag football in Kansas.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a girls flag football game, with the players and field broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of bright, primary colors.The Chiefs' campaign to expand girls flag football in Kansas aims to open up new opportunities for student-athletes through the sport's growing national momentum.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs are launching a new campaign and online petition called 'Let HER Play' as the Kansas State High School Activities Association prepares to vote on whether to officially sanction girls flag football statewide on April 23. The Chiefs' initiative is focused on growing access to the sport and encouraging support for the vote.

Why it matters

Girls flag football is gaining visibility across the country, with the sport set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. The Chiefs' campaign aims to open up opportunities for a new generation of student-athletes in Kansas by advocating for the official sanctioning of the sport at the high school level.

The details

The Chiefs' 'Let HER Play' campaign is centered on growing access to girls flag football in Kansas and encouraging support ahead of the KSHSAA's April 23 vote on whether to officially sanction the sport statewide. Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the initiative is about providing 'opportunity' and that the team has 'seen firsthand how girls Flag Football builds confidence, leadership, and a true sense of belonging for students who want to be part of the game.'

  • The KSHSAA is set to vote on whether to officially sanction girls flag football in Kansas on April 23, 2026.
  • Flag football is scheduled to make its Olympic debut in 2028 when the Summer Games are held in Los Angeles.

The players

Mark Donovan

The president of the Kansas City Chiefs, who said the team's 'Let HER Play' campaign is about providing 'opportunity' and that they have 'seen firsthand how girls Flag Football builds confidence, leadership, and a true sense of belonging for students who want to be part of the game.'

Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA)

The organization that will vote on April 23, 2026 on whether to officially sanction girls flag football as a high school sport in Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“This is about opportunity. We've seen firsthand how girls Flag Football builds confidence, leadership, and a true sense of belonging for students who want to be part of the game. The momentum across Kansas is real, and moments like this have the power to open doors for an entire generation of student-athletes. Sanctioning girls Flag Football is the next step in turning this moment into lasting opportunity – one we can move forward by working together across Kansas.”

— Mark Donovan, President, Kansas City Chiefs

What’s next

The Kansas State High School Activities Association will vote on April 23, 2026 on whether to officially sanction girls flag football as a high school sport in the state.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' advocacy for girls flag football in Kansas reflects the growing momentum and visibility of the sport nationally, with flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. If the KSHSAA votes to sanction the sport, it could open up new opportunities for a generation of student-athletes in the state.