Eastern Michigan University Adding Women’s Flag Football

YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN (April 20, 2026) – Eastern Michigan University announced the addition of women’s flag football as an intercollegiate varsity sport in the spring of 2027, following the NCAA’s January 2026 designation of women’s flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women.

With the addition, Eastern Michigan will sponsor 21 varsity programs, including 14 women’s teams. Women’s flag football joins recent additions, including lacrosse, which began competition in 2022-23, and women’s lightweight rowing, set to begin in 2026-27.

“Today marks a significant moment for Eastern Michigan Athletics and for women’s sports,” said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. “Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and its addition reflects our commitment to creating new opportunities for student-athletes at EMU. With the sport set to take center stage at the 2028 Olympic Games, we are proud to help lead its growth and to build a program our campus and community will embrace.”

“Eastern Michigan’s future is built on purpose, belonging, and opportunity,” added EMU President Dr. Brendan Kelly. “The addition of women’s flag football reflects the kind of strategic growth we are pursuing across the University, growth that welcomes more students into our Eastern community, strengthens alignment across campus, and extends EMU’s impact throughout Michigan. This is a proud moment for our institution, and a clear example of how we are investing in new pathways for student success.”

NCAA data from summer 2025 indicated that at least 40 schools planned to sponsor the sport, with projections reaching as many as 60 programs. Growth at the high school level has also surged. During the current academic year, 69,000 girls are participating, up from 11,000 in 2018-19, marking an average annual increase of 35 percent, according to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

As an NCAA Emerging Sport, women’s flag football is positioned to pursue championship status, with the potential for the first NCAA championship as early as spring 2028. The NCAA hosted its inaugural collegiate championship event, the Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic, April 18-19 at Arizona State University.

Growth at the grassroots and professional levels also continues to accelerate. Flag football is now sanctioned at the high school level in 38 states. All 32 NFL teams support youth flag football initiatives in their markets, and league ownership has approved investment to develop a professional flag football league.

To be considered for NCAA championship status, a sport in the Emerging Sports for Women program must reach at least 40 varsity programs and meet competition and participation thresholds. Once those benchmarks are met, the NCAA governance process begins to establish a championship structure.