The new NIRSA Club Flag Football League continues to build momentum ahead of its inaugural 2027 season, welcoming several new institutions and surpassing 80 committed colleges and universities nationwide.
Joining the league are the University of Miami, University of Virginia, Northwestern University, University of Utah, Boise State University, California State University, Long Beach, San Diego State University, and the University of Pennsylvania, which bring considerable excitement to the nation’s first organized women’s collegiate 7v7 flag football league, developed in partnership with the National Football League (NFL).
Rivalries from coast to coast
The additions further strengthen a growing national movement that now spans every region of the United States, bringing together flagship public universities, power conference institutions, HBCUs, regional campuses, and an Ivy League member.
“The addition of these institutions reflects the incredible enthusiasm we’re seeing for women’s flag football across the country,” says Pam Watts, Executive Director of NIRSA. “From the Pacific Coast to the Ivy League, schools recognize the opportunity to provide meaningful competitive experiences for student-athletes while helping shape the future of one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” Pam adds.
Building momentum
Announced earlier this year, the NIRSA Club Flag Football League was created to expand competitive opportunities for women through collegiate recreation while providing a structured national championship pathway. The league already includes institutions such as the University of Georgia, University of Florida, Penn State University, University of Central Florida, University of Colorado, Arizona State University, University of Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida State University, Indiana University, Texas Southern University, North Carolina A&T State University, and many others.
Played in a 7-on-7 format, the league reflects NIRSA’s longstanding commitment to fostering connection, leadership, competition, and lifelong wellbeing through campus recreation while providing students with opportunities to compete at a high level.
The league’s growth comes at a pivotal moment for the sport. Flag football continues to expand rapidly across the United States and around the world, with participation reaching millions of athletes and women’s participation increasing each year. The sport is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, further accelerating interest at every level of competition.
The inaugural NIRSA Club Flag Football League season will begin in January 2027 and culminate with a national championship in Spring 2027. Additional information regarding schedules, championship details, and streaming will be announced on the NIRSA website in the coming months.
Institutions who want to join the league can learn more and register interest online.
- If you have additional questions about NIRSA Flag Football, please contact NIRSA National Flag Football Manager Nik Sandona; for media inquiries, contact Jake Duhaime, MAXX MGMT.
