NJCAA officially elevates Women’s Flag Football to Championship sport status

Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Board of Regents has officially voted to elevate women's flag football to championship sport status, marking a historic milestone in one of the nation's fastest-growing sports and creating new opportunities for student-athletes across the country.

The approval comes amid unprecedented growth for women's flag football at both the high school and collegiate levels. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), 68,847 student-athletes across 2,736 schools participated in girls flag football during the 2024-25 academic year, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

The NJCAA has experienced similar momentum. During the 2026-27 academic year, 33 member colleges will sponsor women's flag football programs, with participation expected to increase to 37 institutions in 2027-28. Just two years ago, only 15 NJCAA member colleges offered the sport.

"The growth of women's flag football has been extraordinary, and this vote reflects the NJCAA's commitment to providing new opportunities for student-athletes and supporting emerging sports," Dr. Brett Monaghan, Vice President Championships, Membership and Sports Governance, said. "Elevating flag football to championship status is a significant moment for our association and for the future of women's athletics. We are excited to continue leading the way as this sport reaches new heights."

Since its inception, the NJCAA has hosted four women's flag football invitationals, with Florida Gateway College capturing each of the four national titles.

"Today is a historic day for women's flag football and a significant step forward for the growth of the sport," Dr. Courtney Pruitt, NJCAA Flag Football Sports Chair, said. "Reaching championship status validates the hard work that has been invested at every level and positions us for continued expansion and success in the years ahead. I am grateful to everyone who played a role in making this achievement possible and excited to see what the future holds for our student-athletes and programs nationwide."

"The vote and approval to move flag football to championship status is another milestone moment in the rapid ascension of women's flag football," Ricky Hufty, President of the NJCAA Flag Football Coaches Association and Head Coach at Florida Gateway College, said. "The NJCAA has been at the forefront of the growth of the sport since the beginning and continues to be so with this move. There are so many people to thank who all contributed to what is happening with flag football, and I am grateful to each and every one of them for the support of our amazing game. The Future is Flag, and it is a bright one!"

The inaugural NJCAA Women's Flag Football National Championship will begin during the 2027-28 academic year. Meanwhile, the 2026-27 NJCAA Women's Flag Football Invitational will return to the College of DuPage in its final year where it was held in May of 2026.

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the NJCAA and host the 2026-27 NJCAA Women's Flag Football Invitational at the College of DuPage," Ryan Kaiser, Director of Athletics at the College of DuPage, said. "Over the past several years, we have witnessed the incredible growth and excitement surrounding this sport firsthand. Bringing the invitational back to Glen Ellyn is a testament to the hard work of our staff, community, and the NJCAA's vision for women's flag football. The move to championship status further solidifies the NJCAA's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in collegiate athletics and positions women's flag football for continued growth and success in the years to come".

The move to championship status further solidifies the NJCAA's commitment to expanding opportunities for women in collegiate athletics and positions women's flag football for continued growth and success in the years to come.

For more information on NJCAA Women's Flag Football, visit njcaa.org/sports/flagfball.

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About NJCAA 

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 60,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals. 

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