Women's flag football on track to gain NCAA championship status before sport makes its Olympic debut

The NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact voted to recommend that Divisions I, II, and III introduce a national collegiate women’s flag football championship as early as spring 2028. This move follows the International Olympic Committee’s 2023 decision to include flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, alongside cricket, baseball-softball, lacrosse, and squash. Over 100 schools plan to sponsor varsity-level women’s flag football teams starting in the next academic year, exceeding the 40-school threshold required for NCAA consideration. The recommendation now requires each division to review and approve the proposal by July 1, with a final vote scheduled for January 2027. All three divisions must approve to establish the championship, which will be overseen by a dedicated committee. Women’s flag football has seen explosive growth, with participation among girls aged 6–12 rising 283% from 2015 to 2024, according to USA Football. More than 20 states have sanctioned it as a high school varsity sport, and the NFL approved a professional flag football league in December 2025. The NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program has previously elevated sports like rowing, ice hockey, and wrestling to championship status. Marion Terenzio, chair of the subcommittee, called the decision a ‘landmark day’ for collegiate athletics, highlighting the sport’s competitive momentum. Izell Reese of RCX Sports, the NFL FLAG operator, emphasized the collective effort driving its expansion. Next steps include formal division votes and committee formation to govern the new championship. The sport’s inclusion aligns with broader trends in female athlete participation, with advocates noting demand for accessible competition opportunities.