Two of the biggest names in college football are helping write the next chapter of women’s flag football.
The University of Alabama and Louisiana State University (LSU) are among the latest institutions joining the NIRSA Club Flag Football League, which has surpassed 80 committed colleges and universities nationwide ahead of its inaugural January 2027 season.
Developed in partnership with the National Football League (NFL), the nation’s first organized women’s collegiate 7v7 flag football league is creating opportunities for women to represent their universities and compete for a national championship.
Joining Alabama and LSU in the latest wave are the University of Miami, University of Virginia, Northwestern University, University of Utah, Boise State University, California State University, Long Beach, San Diego State University and the University of Pennsylvania.
The additions bring together SEC powerhouses, an Ivy League institution and prominent universities across the country, further strengthening a membership that spans flagship public universities, power conference institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, and regional campuses.
“The addition of these institutions reflects the incredible enthusiasm we’re seeing for women’s flag football across the country,” said Pam Watts, Executive Director of NIRSA. “From the Pacific Coast to the Ivy League, schools recognize the opportunity to provide meaningful competitive experiences for student-athletes while helping shape the future of one of the fastest growing sports in the world.”
Alabama and LSU bring SEC recognition to a growing national stage
Alabama and LSU add two of college athletics’ most recognizable brands to the league, giving women on both campuses an opportunity to build flag football programs around the school pride and competitive traditions that define their universities.
Their participation also creates the potential for a familiar SEC rivalry to take on a new form, joining a national field that includes the University of Georgia, University of Florida, Penn State University, University of Central Florida, University of Colorado, Arizona State University, University of Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida State University, Indiana University, Texas Southern University and North Carolina A&T State University.
The expanding membership opens the door for established college rivalries to carry onto the flag football field while giving student-athletes the opportunity to create traditions of their own.
Coast-to-coast growth builds a collegiate pathway
Beyond Alabama and LSU, the latest additions deepen the league’s national footprint.
Miami strengthens its Florida presence, while Virginia adds to its Atlantic membership. Northwestern expands the Midwest contingent, and Utah and Boise State extend the league’s reach across the Mountain West. Long Beach State and San Diego State bolster Southern California participation, while Penn brings Ivy League representation.
Created to expand competitive opportunities for women through collegiate recreation, the league combines a 7-on-7 format with a structured national championship pathway.
Its launch comes as flag football continues to grow across the United States and internationally, with the sport set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games.
For women arriving on college campuses, the league provides an opportunity to continue playing, represent their schools and help establish programs for future students. Club participation also gives students opportunities to lead, organize and shape their teams alongside competing on the field.
The league reflects NIRSA’s longstanding commitment to connection, leadership, competition and lifelong wellbeing through campus recreation.
January kickoff, spring championship: The inaugural NIRSA Club Flag Football League season will begin in January 2027 and culminate with a national championship in spring 2027. Additional information about schedules, championship details and streaming will be announced on the NIRSA website in the coming months. Institutions interested in joining the league can learn more and register their interest through NIRSA.
About NIRSA:NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing recreation, sport, and wellbeing in higher education. Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA has supported the learning and growth of college students by fostering inclusive communities and promoting lifelong habits of wellbeing through campus recreation.
