A Milestone Year for Girls Flag Football
The Arizona Cardinals are set to continue their pioneering role in girls high school flag football, announcing that the weekly games will once again air on Arizona's Family Sports in 2026. Eight live contests will be shown on the regional sports network and streamed through the Arizona's Family Sports app, beginning September 15 with a matchup between Highland High School and Campo Verde High School at 6 p.m.
Each broadcast will run for roughly 90 minutes and will feature a full production crew delivering play‑by‑play commentary, expert analysis and sideline reporting. The initiative, now in its third year, marks the first time an NFL franchise has produced a regular‑season girls flag football broadcast.
Live Broadcasts and the All‑Star Experience
The Cardinals will also host the third annual Cardinals Girls High School Flag Football All‑Star Experience at halftime of the Cardinals‑Cowboys game at State Farm Stadium. The event will bring together 33 of the state's top players, selected by coaches and team representatives, who will compete for a prize package that includes a signed football from head coach Mike LaFleur, a commemorative plaque and a $1,250 grant for their school's program.
Participation this year will feature standout athletes such as Matt Stone from Hamilton High School, Marlie Phillips of Liberty High School and Mariah Ruelas from Corona del Sol High School. Their involvement underscores the growing talent pool and the league's commitment to showcasing female athletes on a platform that rivals traditional high school sports coverage.
Beyond the games, the Cardinals have pledged $70,000 to the Positive Coaching Alliance to help eliminate gender inequity in youth sports, while also supporting camps, tournaments and equipment donations across the state. With nearly 140 high schools now offering flag football, Arizona joins 24 other states in expanding the sport, a movement that has attracted more than 20 million participants worldwide and is slated to become an Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.