High school sports participation reached an all-time high during the 2025-2026 school year, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth as girls flag football and girls wrestling continued to grow, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
High school sports participation reached an all-time high during the 2025-2026 school year, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth as girls flag football and girls wrestling continued to grow, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The NFHS reported 8,415,684 participants across the country, an increase of 149,440 from the previous school year.
Girls flag football participation rose 48.7% to 102,360, while girls wrestling increased 19.9% to 88,771. Both sports have experienced substantial growth as more schools offer opportunities for girls to compete.
Growth extended beyond flag football and girls wrestling. Girls volleyball added 9,257 participants, bringing its national total to 502,056, while boys 11-man football gained 14,128 participants to reach 1,043,716. Boys golf grew by 8.6% to 175,757, and girls basketball added 6,142 participants to reach 362,382.
Other sports reported declines. Softball lost 7,153 participants, a 2.1% decrease, while baseball fell by 5,068 participants, or 1.1%. Boys wrestling declined by 4,955 participants, or 1.7%, even as girls wrestling continued to expand. Boys basketball, girls soccer, and girls outdoor track also recorded declines.
For schools, those trends present different financial needs: supporting programs that are expanding while preserving opportunities in sports that are losing participants.
A new program needs both startup funding and an operating budget for the seasons that follow. As rosters and offerings expand, schools must plan for equipment, coaching, transportation, officials, and facilities. Dependable financial support helps schools meet those obligations.
Financial support can also help schools rebuild participation where cost or access is a barrier. Funding can preserve junior varsity teams that give inexperienced athletes a place to develop, provide coaching education to improve the instruction athletes receive, provide equipment for students, or help address transportation needs. Those investments can make it easier for students to try a sport and remain involved, giving programs a stronger foundation for rebuilding rosters or adding new sports opportunities.
Maintaining a program during a period of declining participation also preserves a choice for students who are still interested in playing. Corporate partners can help give schools the resources and time to strengthen those programs while supporting emerging sports. Sustained partnerships can support both growth and recovery, helping to ensure that a smaller roster or fundraising base does not automatically mean the loss of a team.
National Amateur Sports works with public school districts to help fund athletics through corporate partnerships and other revenue opportunities, linking businesses with school programs and the communities they serve.
A team can give a student a place to be known, a responsibility to others, and a reason to stay engaged with school. Learning to accept feedback, prepare for a challenge, and contribute without always receiving recognition are valuable experiences long after the final season ends.
Families see that value too.
In a separate NFHS survey of 2,500 parents and guardians of students participating in school athletics or activities, 93% said participation helped their child develop teamwork and communication skills. 82% reported a stronger connection to school. Those findings reflect parents' observations across athletics.
The community benefits extend beyond the students wearing a uniform. A school's athletic events give alumni a reason to return, younger children a chance to see themselves on a future team, and neighbors a regular place to connect.
That shared experience deserves support whether a team is competing for a championship or working toward its first win. The value of belonging should not depend on a winning record.
High school athletic programs need dependable funding for coaches, equipment, transportation, officials, and facilities. Support that continues across multiple seasons helps schools plan, reduce costs for families, and preserve opportunities for students.
National Amateur Sports works with public school districts at no cost to develop corporate partnerships and other revenue opportunities. With school leaders guiding priorities, that support can help launch new sports, strengthen programs rebuilding participation, and reach schools with smaller fundraising networks.
Businesses gain opportunities to connect with local families through athletics websites, broadcasts, email, and event signage, with reporting on reach and impressions. These partnerships allow companies to build local awareness while helping schools sustain programs that serve their communities.
Connect with National Amateur Sports to explore opportunities to support public school athletics.
