Big South Conference to Introduce Women's Flag Football in 2027-28

Original: Big South to sponsor flag football in 2027-28

Espn•Apr 2, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

The Big South Conference in the United States will become the first NCAA Division I league to sponsor women's flag football starting in the 2027-28 season. This decision follows the NCAA's addition of flag football to its emerging sports program and is supported by five member schools. The sport is rapidly growing in popularity across various levels.

Key Points

01Big South Conference will sponsor women's flag football as its 19th sport starting in 2027-28.
02The NCAA added flag football to its emerging sports program in January.
03Five member schools are launching women's flag football programs with NFL support.
04The first varsity championship for women's flag football is planned for spring 2028.
05Flag football will debut as an Olympic sport in 2028 during the Los Angeles Games.

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Full Summary

The Big South Conference, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be the first NCAA Division I league to sponsor women's flag football, officially adding it as its 19th sport for the 2027-28 season. This announcement was made by Big South commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery, following the NCAA's decision to include flag football in its emerging sports for women program earlier this year. Five full-time member institutions—Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Radford, UNC Asheville, and USC Upstate—are set to launch women's flag football programs, receiving support from the NFL. The Big South plans to offer a combination of club and varsity-level sponsorship for the sport starting in 2026-27, with the first varsity championship scheduled for spring 2028. Flag football is experiencing rapid growth at youth, high school, and collegiate levels, with projections indicating that around 60 NCAA schools will feature women's flag football teams by this spring. Additionally, flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028 at the Los Angeles Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport.

Key Figures

19

Total number of sports sponsored by the Big South Conference

60

Projected number of NCAA schools with women's flag football teams by spring 2025

2028

Year women's flag football will debut as an Olympic sport

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Why It Matters

The introduction of women's flag football in the Big South Conference will provide more athletic opportunities for female athletes and promote the sport's growth at the collegiate level.

Who is affected

female athletes in the Big South Conference and prospective recruits

What to know

Athletes interested in playing women's flag football should stay informed about program developments and recruitment opportunities.

FAQ

Women's flag football will officially start in the Big South Conference in the 2027-28 season.

Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Radford, UNC Asheville, and USC Upstate are launching women's flag football programs.

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