A Legacy of Excellence Since 1999
Founded in 1999, the Minnesota Vixen are the longest continuously operating women’s tackle football team in the world. For more than 25 years, the Vixen have helped shape the landscape of women’s football while building a tradition of competitive excellence, resilience, and opportunity for female athletes.
From the earliest days of barnstorming exhibitions to competing for national championships in the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA), the Vixen have remained committed to advancing women’s football while inspiring generations of athletes.
The Beginning
The Minnesota Vixen took the field for the first time in 1999 as part of the “No Limits Barnstorming Tour” alongside the Lake Michigan Minx. The two teams traveled throughout the country showcasing women’s tackle football and introducing the sport to new audiences. Although the Minx won all six contests that inaugural season, the tour proved there was both talent and demand for women’s full-contact football.
In 2000, the Vixen became one of the original franchises in the newly formed Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). The team immediately established itself as one of the league’s strongest programs, completing an undefeated regular season before advancing to the playoffs.
Building a Tradition
As women’s football evolved through multiple leagues over the next decade, the Minnesota Vixen remained one of the sport’s most recognizable and respected organizations.
During this period, the team competed in nationally recognized venues, including the historic Orange Bowl in 2003, while earning playoff appearances in 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2013. Despite changes in leagues and ownership, the Vixen continued to build a culture centered on competitive excellence and long-term sustainability.
A New Era
In 2014, Laura Brown acquired the Minnesota Vixen and began building the organization into one of the premier franchises in women’s football.
That same season, the Vixen competed in the inaugural Legacy Bowl against the Carolina Queens, making history in the first women’s football game officiated entirely by an all-female officiating crew.
Under the Brown’s leadership, the organization expanded its commitment beyond winning football games by investing in athlete development, fan experience, community partnerships, and the long-term growth of girls’ and women’s football throughout Minnesota.
Championship Success
The 2016 season marked a turning point in franchise history.
The Vixen completed an undefeated 8-0 regular season, captured both the IWFL Midwest Division and Eastern Conference Championships, and advanced to their first national championship game after defeating the New York Sharks in one of the most memorable games in franchise history—a dramatic 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in double overtime.
The organization joined the Women’s Football Alliance in 2017 and has remained among the nation’s elite ever since.
Conference championships in 2018, 2021, and 2022 each earned the Vixen another trip to the National Championship Game, cementing the team’s place among the most successful organizations in modern women’s football.
Today
Today, the Minnesota Vixen compete in the WFA Pro Division, the highest level of women’s tackle football in the United States.
The roster includes more than 60 athletes from across Minnesota representing an incredible range of professions and life experiences. Vixen players are healthcare professionals, teachers, military veterans, first responders, engineers, business owners, students, mothers, and community leaders who dedicate themselves to competing at an elite level while balancing careers and family life.
Beyond the football field, the organization continues to grow the game through youth outreach, girls’ flag football, community engagement, and leadership development—creating opportunities for the next generation to experience the power of football.
More than 25 years after its founding, the Minnesota Vixen continue to honor their history while helping shape the future of women’s football.
Franchise Timeline
1999
Minnesota Vixen founded and compete in the “No Limits Barnstorming Tour.”
First women’s tackle football game of modern women’s tackle football era (Oct. 9, 1999)
2000
Original member of the Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). Finish the regular season undefeated and earn the franchise’s first playoff appearance.
2003
Compete at the historic Orange Bowl.
2008
Advance to the playoffs during the NWFL era.
2013
Return to postseason play in the IWFL, advancing to the Tier II Western Conference Championship.
2014
Laura and James Brown acquire the organization.
2014
Compete in the inaugural Legacy Bowl, the first women’s football game officiated entirely by an all-female officiating crew.
2016
Finish 8-0, win the IWFL Midwest Division and Eastern Conference Championships, and advance to the organization’s first National Championship Game.
2017
Join the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA).
2018
Capture the WFA Division II American Conference Championship and advance to the National Championship Game.
2021
Win the WFA Division I American Conference Championship and advance to the National Championship Game.
2022
First women’s tackle football game aired on ESPN2 (2022)
Become WFA Pro American Conference Champions and earn a fourth National Championship Game appearance.
2023–Present
Continue competing in the WFA Pro Division the Vixen have reached the WFA Pro American Conference Championship in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, continuing one of the most successful runs in franchise history. Off the field, the organization has expanded opportunities through girls’ and women’s flag football, youth outreach, community partnerships, and initiatives that advance the future of women’s football.
Championships & Honors
Division Championships
- 2000 – WPFL Central Division Champions
- 2016 – IWFL Midwest Division Champions
- 2018 – WFA Division II Midwest Region Champions
- 2021 – WFA Division I Midwest Region Champions
- 2022 – WFA Pro Midwest Region Champions
Conference Championships
- 2016 – IWFL Eastern Conference Champions
- 2018 – WFA Division II American Conference Champions
- 2021 – WFA Division I American Conference Champions
- 2022 – WFA Pro American Conference Champions
National Championship Game Appearances
- 2016 – IWFL World Championship
- 2018 – WFA Division II National Championship
- 2021 – WFA Division I National Championship
- 2022 – WFA Pro National Championship