The world of women’s sports has received a huge boon, as the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation (BWJF) today announced a groundbreaking $1 million grant to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) which will transform the landscape of women’s flag football.
This investment, directed by New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, will fund the creation of the largest collegiate women’s flag football league in the nation, launching in the spring of 2026. The initiative underscores the Johnson Family’s and New York Jets’ unwavering commitment to expanding access and opportunity for women in the sport.
“Empowering young women through football has always been central to our mission,” Johnson, Chairman of the New York Jets, said in a press release. “Partnering with the ECAC to launch this league creates a clear pathway for student-athletes to compete, grow, and lead—on the field and beyond.”
With flag football being played in the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) in New York City, Johnson said the possibilities are endless for the countless young women in the sport.
“The Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League builds on the success of our high school girls’ flag program, which opened doors for thousands of athletes across the region,” he said. “Now, we’re taking the next step: collegiate play, Olympic dreams, and a future professional league.”
Gameplay will feature the 7-on-7 format of flag football. The season will kickoff with a Media Day at MetLife Stadium in February, followed by a USA Football Talent ID Camp the following day. Regular season games will be played February through April on campus sites, culminating in the championship game at MetLife Stadium during the first weekend in May.
“The launch of the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League represents a significant milestone for women’s sports,” Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, said. “By establishing the largest collegiate women’s flag football league, we are collectively building a future where young women can dream bigger and continue playing the sport they love in a competitive setting. Woody Johnson, the Johnson Family, and the New York Jets have been pioneers in this area, and we are proud to partner with them and the ECAC to empower the next generation of flag football athletes.”
ECAC Commissioner Dan Coonan said he is excited to be a part of the wonderful collaboration with the others organization and the conference. Now, he is chopping at the bit to get things going, he noted.
“The ECAC is thrilled to be partnering with the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to provide a premium intercollegiate flag football league for hundreds of young women athletes interested in pursuing their athletics dreams,” Coonan said, “We couldn’t be happier to be selected for this partnership. With 88 years of experience sponsoring first-rate intercollegiate athletic competition, we believe we are uniquely suited to bring this bold initiative to life. Our sincere thanks to Woody Johnson, the Jets, and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation for their transformative vision and generous commitment to advancing this emerging sport. We can’t wait to get started.”
The flag football college initiative is receiving moral support from New York Jets Linebacker Quincy Williams.
“Launching the largest collegiate women’s flag football league is a game-changing moment that will create opportunities that inspire and elevate the game,’ Williams said. “The programs the Jets have launched in the UK and Ireland have shown how much passion and talent exists for this sport worldwide. Now women will have the chance to experience what college football gave so many of us—competition, community, and growth.”
As part of the Jets and BWJF commitment, each school will receive a grant to offset costs associated with fielding a flag football team. The following schools have committed to playing in the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League:
- Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.
- Caldwell University*, Caldwell, N.J.
- Dominican University*, Orangeburg, N.Y,
- Eastern University, St. Davids, Pa.
- Fairleigh Dickinson*, Teaneck, N.J.
- Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio
- Kean University, Union, N.J.
- Long Island University, Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
- Mercyhurst University, Erie, Pa.
- Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J.
- Mount St. Mary’s University. Emmitsburg, Md.
- Union College*, Schenectady, N.Y.
- Penn State Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
- Sweet Briar College*, Sweet Briar, Va.
(Flag Football Set, 14 Player/ 28 Player Football Flags and Belts Set, Includes Belts, Football Flags, Cones — $16.99).
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Photo: Jets ECAC Women’s Flag League Media Assets.
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 