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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (July 6, 2026) – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Board of Regents has officially voted to elevate women’s flag football to championship sport status during the 2027-28 academic year.
The approval comes amid unprecedented growth for women’s flag football at both the high school and collegiate levels. Overall female participation has increased from 1 million in 2021 to 2 million in 2025, according to the National Sporting Goods Association’s 2026 Edition of the Sports Participation in the U.S. report.
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,” said Dr. Brett Monaghan, NJCAA Vice President Championships, Membership and Sports Governance. “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,” said Dr. Courtney Pruitt, NJCAA Flag Football Sports Chair. “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,” said Ricky Hufty, President of the NJCAA Flag Football Coaches Association and Head Coach at Florida Gateway College. “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. The 2026-27 NJCAA Women’s Flag Football Invitational will return to the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois 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,” said Ryan Kaiser, Director of Athletics at the College of DuPage. “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.”
For more information on NJCAA Women’s Flag Football, visit njcaa.org/sports/flagfball.
