The Minnesota Vixen, the longest continuously operating women’s tackle football team in the country, is making a bold move in 2025: launching a competitive women’s and non-binary flag football team. This initiative marks a strategic expansion for the Vixen brand, designed to increase access to football, support year-round engagement, and empower more athletes through the game.
The new program will be open to athletes 18 years and older, with tryouts already underway this spring and summer. The team will compete locally in the Minneapolis 6v6 Women’s Flag League this fall and is targeting appearances at regional and national tournaments throughout the year — including the WFA National Championship Tournament at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio this July.
“We’ve seen an explosion of interest in flag football, especially among women and non-binary athletes looking for new ways to compete and connect,” said Vixen owner and general manager Laura Brown. “By adding a flag team, we’re expanding the Minnesota Vixen ecosystem — offering more opportunities for athletes to play at a high level while growing our presence in new markets.”
Unlike tackle football, flag football offers a non-contact format that emphasizes speed, strategy, and skill development. The Vixen Flag team will follow NIRSA rules and use a 7v7 format with pop-style two-flag belts, opening the door to athletes of all backgrounds — from former college players to recreational league standouts.
Beyond the field, the new program represents a smart business move for the Vixen organization. By expanding into flag football, the Vixen can:
- Reach new fans and player demographics
- Increase sponsorship opportunities with year-round visibility
- Deepen community partnerships through league play and outreach
- Develop a talent pipeline that supports both flag and tackle programs
The launch also aligns with a growing national push to include women’s flag football at the collegiate and Olympic levels, further positioning the Vixen as leaders in the future of the sport.
“Our goal is not just to field a great team, but to build a sustainable, scalable program that advances women and non-binary athletes at every level of the game,” Brown said. “Flag football is fun, fast, and competitive — and it’s the next step in our mission to grow football for all.”
Athletes interested in joining the Vixen Flag program can learn more and register for upcoming tryouts at mnvixen.com/flag-football.