NCAA takes important steps in adding a new sport for championship status

Flag football is officially gaining momentum on the national stage. As reported by 205focus.com, the sport took a major stride toward becoming an NCAA championship event this past Tuesday.

A New Path to a Championship

An official proposal is now on the table to introduce women’s flag football to the NCAA by 2028. If approved, the sport would be contested across Division I, Division II, and Division III levels.

The initiative is spearheaded by the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact, which officially voted during its recent spring meeting to recommend that all three divisions sponsor legislation for a National Collegiate Flag Football Championship. This group is the driving force behind the Emerging Sports for Women’s Program, which aims to boost participation and visibility for women’s collegiate athletics.

Expanding Opportunity for Athletes

Jacqie McWilliams Parker, chair of the Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact, emphasized the importance of this growth in a recent statement: “Girls want to play. Whenever you give access and opportunity to an easier way to play, the better the success and numbers in participation you see.”

McWilliams Parker added that the momentum is changing the landscape for athletes who previously didn't have a path to college competition. “The young women who are currently playing at our institutions, some never even thought about being able to play in college. Now they have their opportunity. As we hit the next steps to becoming an NCAA championship, I’m excited we’re providing access and opportunity.”

Preparing for the Future

The push for NCAA status comes as programs across the country begin to ramp up efforts ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics, which will include flag football for the first time in Olympic history. Institutions like Nebraska and organizations like the Big 12 have already begun launching programs in anticipation of the sport's rapid growth.

Current data from the NCAA shows a strong foundation is already in place, with four programs at the D-I level, 18 at the D-II level, and 40 programs currently sponsored at the D-III level.