USF Launches Women’s Flag Football Program for 2027-28 Season

The University of Sioux Falls (USF) is expanding athletic opportunities for women with the launch of a women’s flag football team. The team is set to begin play during the 2027-28 school year, marking a pivotal moment for the Division II school. The move reflects growing interest in and participation in women’s flag football across the United States. USF will build the program’s foundation during the 2026-27 academic year, and a national search for its first head coach is already underway. For more details, visit the official announcement on Sioux Falls Live.

The Rise of Women’s Flag Football

Women’s flag football has grown substantially over the past decade. USA Football research shows that participation among girls aged 6-12 surged by 283% from 2015 to 2024, reaching more than 144,500 participants.

The growth extends beyond youth sports to high school and college, creating a strong pathway for young athletes.

NCAA Emerging Sports for Women Program

In January 2026, the NCAA added women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program. This milestone could help the sport gain NCAA championship status. The NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity, and Impact has recommended that Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to establish a National Collegiate Flag Football Championship.

More than 60 institutions across all three divisions sponsored varsity women’s flag football in spring 2026, bringing the sport closer to that goal.

USF’s Commitment to Women’s Athletics

USF’s decision to launch a women’s flag football team reflects its broader commitment to creating opportunities for students. Emily DeGroot, USF associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator, emphasized the university’s dedication to helping young women grow and compete.

The new program will give students the chance to compete, grow, and join Cougar Athletics.

Building the Foundation

The 2026-27 academic year will be crucial to establishing USF’s women’s flag football program. The university will focus on recruiting, coaching, and building a competitive schedule with regional jamborees, multi-team events, and other collegiate opportunities.

This groundwork will help prepare the team for full varsity competition in spring 2027-28.

Regional and National Support

Women’s flag football is growing beyond USF and the NCAA. In 2026, the NFL announced a partnership with TMRW Sports to develop a professional flag football league for women and men. The league is expected to launch before flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

These developments point to the sport’s expanding reach and the opportunities athletes can pursue after college.

Local Initiatives

In 2026, the Sioux Falls School District introduced girls’ flag football for middle and high school students through a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings. Brandon Valley, Harrisburg, and O’Gorman are among the schools planning pilot programs for fall 2027.

The South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes also offers a girls-only league for athletes from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Role of the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have played a key role in promoting and supporting women’s flag football. Since 2022, they’ve invested more than $2 million in these efforts, supporting opportunities across the Upper Midwest.

The Vikings’ high school league in Minnesota grew from 51 participating schools in 2025 to 104 in 2026. Their support has also expanded to South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa.

Collegiate Partnerships

In 2025, the Vikings partnered with seven NCAA institutions to establish the region’s first collegiate women’s flag football league. The partnership has helped create a sustainable path for high school players who want to continue their athletic careers in college.

Future Prospects

The NCAA championship process is expected to continue during the 2026-27 academic year. If all three divisions approve the proposal, the first NCAA women’s flag football championship could take place in spring 2028. That timeline aligns with USF’s goal of beginning full varsity competition in the 2027-28 academic year.

Olympic Aspirations

Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles underscores the sport’s growing prominence. The NFL’s partnership with TMRW Sports to develop a professional league could also give athletes more chances to compete at the highest levels.

Conclusion

The University of Sioux Falls’ decision to launch a women’s flag football team marks an important step toward gender equality in sports. The program will give young women a chance to compete, grow, and join a vibrant athletic community. With support from local and national organizations, the future of women’s flag football looks promising. For more information, read the full announcement on Sioux Falls Live.