Flag football has been added to the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program and 4 different women’s sports activities had been elevated to championship standing, the NCAA introduced Friday.
Flag football has been one of many fastest-growing sports activities on the youth, highschool and collegiate ranges and can debut as an Olympic sport for males and women in 2028.
There had been about 40 NCAA faculties with women’s flag football groups in 2025, and the group projected that 60 could possibly be competing this spring.
Nebraska on Friday introduced that it might be the primary power-conference faculty so as to add flag football as a varsity women’s sport, with competitors starting within the spring of 2028.
The new championship sports activities are acrobatics and tumbling, stunt, Division II bowling and Division III women’s wrestling.
“This moment reflects the growth of college sports, as schools continue to provide a record number of scholarships and opportunities across the NCAA,” NCAA president Charlie Baker stated. “By expanding championship opportunities, we celebrate the remarkable momentum of women’s sports, ensuring more student-athletes have the chance to compete for national titles, represent their institutions and inspire future generations.”
To turn out to be a championship sport, a minimal of 40 faculties should sponsor it on the varsity degree and meet contest and participation necessities.
At Nebraska, women’s flag football could be the primary sport added since seashore volleyball in 2013. The season will run from January to May. Nebraska will instantly start a training search and plans to have a roster of 20-25 gamers.