An NCAA committee recently suggested adding flag football to its emerging women’s sports program. This is an exciting move towards it being recognized as an official championship sport across all divisions.
Currently, at least 65 schools offer flag football, whether as a club or a varsity sport, and many more are considering it. The sport is also gaining visibility globally because it will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The NFL has been a key advocate for flag football, actively promoting it for years.
To officially become an NCAA championship sport, flag football needs at least 40 schools to sponsor it at the varsity level, along with meeting specific requirements for games played and player participation.
The NCAA established the emerging women’s sports program to create more opportunities for female athletes. Recently, women’s wrestling was approved as the 91st championship sport, with its first championship scheduled for 2026. Other sports currently included in this program are acrobatics and tumbling, equestrian, rugby, stunt, and triathlon. Some sports, like rowing and ice hockey, have successfully transitioned from this program to championship status in the past.
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College Football, College Sports, Olympics, Sports Business
