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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has approved women's flag football as the association's 30th championship sport, elevating it from invitational to championship status beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The move will culminate in the inaugural NAIA Women's Flag Football National Championship in spring 2027.
The decision marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of one of the fastest-expanding sports in the country. In partnership with the NFL, the NAIA became the first collegiate athletics association to recognize women's flag football on a national level. What began as an emerging sport in 2021 progressed to invitational status in 2026 and now advances to full championship designation in 2027.
The NAC's approval officially establishes women's flag football as the NAIA's newest championship sport while reinforcing the association's longstanding commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
"Making women's flag football an NAIA championship sport is a major milestone," said NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr. "It expands opportunity, elevates the game, and reflects the momentum behind one of the fastest-growing women's sports in the country."
The NAIA has worked closely with member institutions, conferences, and national partners to build a strong foundation for long-term success and sustainability. A total of 60 NAIA institutions are expected to sponsor women's flag football during the 2026-27 academic year, underscoring the sport's rapid growth and widespread support.
"The growth of women's flag football over the last five years has been remarkable," said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President for Championships. "The NAIA has been proud to serve as a pioneer in the sport's collegiate development since launching it in 2021. What began as an opportunity to create new pathways for student-athletes has quickly evolved into a thriving national sport with strong institutional support, growing competitive depth, and tremendous momentum."
UT Southern will be part of that growth, as the Firehawks are set to field their inaugural women's flag football team during the 2026-27 academic year.
"We're excited to bring women's flag football to UT Southern and be part of this historic moment for the sport," said UT Southern Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Brandie Paul. "This is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes and our university to build something special from the ground up while competing in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country."
Additionally, the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) has announced the addition of women's flag football as a championship sport beginning in 2026-27. The conference will feature nine competing programs: Andrew, Brewton-Parker Christian, Life, Milligan, Point, Reinhardt, Thomas, Tennessee Southern, and Wesleyan. League coaches and athletic directors will finalize scheduling and policies ahead of the inaugural championship, which is slated for April 22-24, 2027, in Montgomery, Ala.
The SSAC's move follows the NAIA's approval of women's flag football as an invitational sport for the 2025-26 season, which will include 35 programs nationwide and a qualification-based invitational championship format scheduled for May 6-9, 2026. The conference tournament deadline for that season is set for April 25.
"Adding Women's Flag Football as an SSAC championship sport expands opportunities for women to compete at a high level in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country," said SSAC Commissioner Mike Hall. "We're excited to align with the NAIA's vision and the broader momentum around the sport as we build schedules, championships, and a first-class experience for our student-athletes."
The inaugural NAIA Women's Flag Football National Championship is scheduled for spring 2027. Additional details regarding qualification, format, and site selection will be announced at a later date.
For more information about NAIA Women's Flag Football, visit www.naia.org/flagfootball.
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