The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation is making a major play for the future of girls’ athletics, announcing a $1 million grant on Thursday to fuel the growth of high school flag football programs across North Carolina and South Carolina.
This game-changing investment comes on the heels of a historic milestone: the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) officially voted to sanction girls’ flag football as a varsity sport on Wednesday, making the Tar Heel State the 22nd in the nation to do so. For young athletes, this means more than just a new team on the field—it’s a pathway to scholarships, leadership, and lifelong confidence.
The funding will directly support schools in both states, helping cover equipment, coaching, and program development. According to the foundation, the grant is part of a larger commitment that, since 2022, has seen the Teppers and the Carolina Panthers invest over $1.5 million in grants, programming, and resources to grow the sport from the ground up.
“Yesterday marked a landmark moment for girls’ athletics in North Carolina,” said David and Nicole Tepper in a joint statement. “This is more than the introduction of a new sport—it’s a legacy change that will open doors for generations of young women to compete, grow, and thrive. We’re deeply grateful for the partnerships with school districts that made this milestone possible and remain committed to expanding the same opportunity in South Carolina.”
The momentum is already building. Before Wednesday’s vote, 154 high schools in North Carolina and 53 in South Carolina had committed to fielding girls’ flag football teams for the 2026-2027 season—and officials expect that number to climb in the coming weeks. It’s a testament to the passion of student-athletes, coaches, and communities who are embracing the sport’s fast-paced, inclusive spirit.
For fans of the game, this is more than a headline—it’s a signal that flag football is here to stay. And for the young women lacing up their cleats, it’s a chance to make history, one flag pull at a time.