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NCAA

Flag Football Named The NCAA Emerging Sport For 2026

Flag Football Named The NCAA Emerging Sport For 2026

The NCAA has named a next emerging sport for 2026 following the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. Here is everything to know about Flag Football!

Jan 20, 2026 by Madelyn Mendoza
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The NCAA announced the addition of four new championship sports and named the 2026 Emerging Sport at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. 

Women's Flag Football was announced as the Emerging Sport on Jan. 16 and is slated to begin implementation immediately across all three divisions of play according to the press release by the NCAA. 

Flag Football has been one of the quickest growing sports in the country from youth sports to collegiate levels. With it's momentum on the rise, the sport reaches a peak with its selection to be added to the LA 2028 Olympics. 

With multiple schools already participating in flag football, here is everything to know about the 2026 Emerging Sport. 

By The Numbers:

  • According to the press release from NCAA, flag football is the be expected to be sponsored by at least 40 schools during the 2025-26 collegiate year.
  • With its rapid growth, the sport is projected to obtain at least 60 schools participating by the spring of the current academic year.

How To Make Flag Football A Championship Sport:

  • In order for Flag Football to be considered to be upgraded to a championship sport, 40 schools at minimum must be carrying the sport at a varsity level. 
  • These 40 institutions must also meet the minimum participation and contest requirements.

The addition of Flag Football as an emerging sport has been received well as Juan Hernandez, the vice president of diversity, equity and belong and the vice chair of the NCAA committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact noted this in the NCAA press release. 

"The addition of flag football to the Emerging Sports for Women program underscores our commitment to expanding athletic opportunities that resonate with today's student-athletes. The sport's rapid growth across campuses and communities shows the demand for inclusive, competitive environments for women." - Juan Hernandez

More information about the addition of flag football can be found in the NCAA press release.

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