Historic $1 Million Grant Boosts Women’s Collegiate Flag Football Expansion
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation just announced a $1 million grant to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). With this funding, they’re setting up the largest collegiate women’s flag football league in the country.
Woody Johnson is leading the charge, and the plan is to kick off in spring 2026. The New York Jets and ECAC want to open more doors for women in football—giving them space to compete, grow, and maybe even lead.
The league will use a 7-on-7 format. Regular-season games run from February to April, then wrap up with a championship game in May.
The Johnson Family has always backed women’s sports. This feels like a big step for flag football.
The Vision Behind the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League
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Launching the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League feels like a bold move for women’s sports. The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and the New York Jets want to give young women real opportunities in flag football.
Woody Johnson, the Jets’ Chairman, says empowering young women through football is at the heart of their mission. By teaming up with ECAC, they’re hoping to create a path for student-athletes to reach higher levels—maybe even the Olympics or a future pro league.
Building on Past Success
This new college league follows the success of the Jets’ high school girls’ flag football program. That program has already opened doors for thousands of athletes in the region.
With so much interest and talent at the high school level, moving to college play just makes sense. The Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League wants to nurture that talent and give young women a place to really shine.
League Structure and Schedule
The league will feature a 7-on-7 format, so expect fast-paced games and plenty of action. The first season starts with a Media Day at MetLife Stadium in February, followed by a USA Football Talent ID Camp.
Regular-season games happen on campus sites from February through April. The championship game is set for the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center during the first weekend in May, because of the 2026 World Cup.
Participating Schools and Support
Each school joining the league gets a grant to help cover the cost of fielding a flag football team. That financial support makes it possible for more schools to join in, no matter their budget.
So far, these schools have signed on:
- Eastern University
- Penn State Schuylkill
- More schools will be announced soon
Transformative Impact on Women’s Sports
Launching the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League marks a big moment for women’s sports. Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, says building the largest collegiate women’s flag football league is about giving young women the chance to dream bigger and keep playing the sport they love.
The Johnson Family and the Jets have really led the way here, and their partnership with ECAC is all about empowering the next generation of flag football athletes.
Empowering Future Leaders
Callie Brownson, Jets Flag Football Advisor, points out that this league is more than just games. It’s about opportunity and building a future for women in football.
From high school to college, the initiative opens doors that weren’t there before. The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation’s support helps young women compete at a high level and see a path to their dreams.
Community and Growth
The New York Jets have played a big role in growing girls’ flag football since 2011. Jesse Linder, Jets VP of Community Relations, shared his excitement about the sport’s journey—from high school sanctioning to elite club play, and now to the college level.
This path could even lead to the Olympics or pro flag football. Young women now have more chances to experience competition and community through the sport.
Visibility and Influence
Amanda Ruller, head flag football coach at Eastern University, appreciates the investment from the Johnson family, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, and the Jets. Their commitment to growing opportunities for girls and young women in flag football really shows.
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The Jets’ involvement brings a lot of visibility to the sport. That kind of spotlight can build a strong, supportive community for women’s flag football.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Quincy Williams, New York Jets Linebacker, called this new league a game-changer. He believes it’ll create opportunities that inspire and lift the sport.
The Jets’ programs in the UK and Ireland have already shown how much people love flag football around the world. Now, women get a shot at the same college football experience—competition, community, and growth.
Opening Doors
Sierra Wishnefsky, a Penn State Schuylkill athlete, shared her thoughts about the league. She said seeing a league sponsored by an NFL team like the New York Jets really opens doors for young women.
The conference’s connection with the Jets brings prestige. It also sparks motivation in the next generation of flag football players—maybe even a little bit of awe, honestly.
For more information, you can read the full announcement on the New York Jets website.