David and Nicole Tepper commit $1 million to girls flag football across Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation (DNTF) announced Thursday a $1 million commitment to support girls high school flag football programs across North Carolina and South Carolina.

The contribution comes after the North Carolina High School Athletic Association voted Wednesday to make girls flag football a varsity sport, making North Carolina the 22nd state to do so.

“Yesterday marked a landmark moment for girls’ athletics in North Carolina as the NCHSAA officially sanctioned girls flag football,” said David and Nicole Tepper. “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 dedication and partnerships with school districts that made this milestone possible and remain committed to expanding the same opportunity in South Carolina so young women across both states can experience the access and transformative power of flag football for years to come.” 

The DNTF has contributed over $2.5 million since 2022 to help expand girls flag football. The foundation will also award grants to schools to help grow the sport in both states. The grant application process will be announced in early 2027.

Flag football will also make its Olympic debut in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.