NAC Executive Committee Approves Women’s Flag Football as Invitational Sport for 2025-26
The NAIA’s National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee has approved Women’s Flag Football as an invitational sport for the 2025-26 season.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The NAIA’s National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee has approved Women’s Flag Football as an invitational sport for the 2025-26 season—a significant milestone for collegiate flag football, which launched as an emerging sport in the NAIA in 2021.
“We’re excited and encouraged by the continued, rapid growth of Women’s Flag Football in the NAIA, and proud to be leading the way in that growth in the collegiate space,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President of Championships. “Getting to invitational status is a big step in solidifying the sport on college campuses across the country.”
The 2025-26 season will feature 35 programs competing in NAIA Women’s Flag Football. Beginning in spring 2026, the postseason will shift to a qualification-based invitational tournament.
The NAC will begin developing the sport’s competitive framework, including the format, date, and location of the inaugural NAIA Women’s Flag Football Invitational.
For more information on NAIA Women’s Flag Football, visit NAIA.org. Details on postseason structure and awards will be announced ahead of the 2026 season.