NIRSA’s new adventure: Flag football leagues

Something big is building with NIRSA and we want you and your school in on it.

The NIRSA Championship Series is officially launching a new adventure: Women’s club flag football leagues, created intentionally and built for schools from the ground up.

This isn’t business as usual. This is flag football, but…Bigger. Better. Bolder.

Why this matters

Women’s flag football is growing fast, and the energy around it is undeniable. NIRSA has long supported leagues, championship tournaments, and other competitive pathways across multiple sports, and stepping deeper into the women’s club flag football space is the next bold evolution.

By starting at square one for these new league opportunities, NIRSA is focused on doing it right: building structure, creating access, and centering the experience around the institutions and athletes who will shape the future of the game.

The timeline

Here’s how the rollout will unfold:

• March 2026: Interest meetings begin
• September 2026: President’s Call to align expectations and set schedules
• January 2027: The inaugural Women’s Club Flag Football season kicks off

Ready now? Curious? Somewhere in between?

If your institution is interested in growing women’s flag football opportunities for your students, we want to hear from you: Complete the Interest Form, available now on the NIRSA website, or sign-up now and start planning. There is no financial commitment until summer 2026. Early involvement  is about gauging interest and building momentum.

Already have thought about divisions, scheduling, formats, or league structure? Perfect.

Help us build the leagues

We’re still working out the details, and that’s the point. This initiative is being shaped with the collegiate community, and not just for it.

Have thoughts on:

• League structure
• Scheduling models
• Competitive tiers
• Best practices for success

Powered by partnership

Let us know. Your feedback will directly influence how these leagues take shape.

The NIRSA Championship Series is excited to continue and expand its partnership with NFL FLAG.

These new leagues will strengthen the connection between league play and championship-level tournament opportunities all while growing the game in meaningful ways.

Be part of what’s next

This is more than a new program; it’s the future of NIRSA Flag Football.

If you are a strategic thinker and you’ve ever wanted to help shape something from the beginning, this is your moment! Get involved. Share your voice. Help us build what’s next.