LANCASTER, Pa. – (February 26, 2025) – The Atlantic East Conference proudly announces the launch of its inaugural Women’s Flag Football season, making history as the first NCAA conference at any level to officially introduce the sport.

In 2024, The Atlantic East hosted a club level tournament with four conference schools. This year will feature the first full regular season and tournament play at the varsity level for women’s flag football. This groundbreaking move marks a significant step forward for women’s athletics, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and reinforcing the conference’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The highly anticipated season will feature competitive matchups among member institutions, setting the stage for a new era of growth and recognition for women’s flag football. With strong support from both the NCAA and key stakeholders, the Atlantic East Conference is paving the way for other conferences to follow suit in embracing this dynamic and fast-growing sport.

“We are thrilled to lead the charge in bringing Women’s Flag Football to the NCAA stage,” said Rebecca Mullen, Interim Commissioner of the Atlantic East Conference. “This initiative not only highlights the increasing demand for competitive opportunities in women’s sports but also aligns with our mission for an inclusive experience for our conference student athletes.”

The season’s official kickoff will be celebrated with a Women’s Flag Football Media Day on March 3rd at Lincoln Financial Field (Hyundai Club) from 1:00 to 3:30 PM, hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles. 

During the event, players, coaches, and administrative personnel will participate in press conferences and media sessions. Eagles mascot Swoop will be in attendance as well. Additionally, a designated football made specifically for women’s flag football by Wilson will be introduced as the football for the Atlantic East.

The establishment of this league was made possible through a generous grant from the NFL and RCX Sports, the official operator of NFL FLAG, further solidifying the commitment to expanding opportunities for women in sports.

“We congratulate the Atlantic East on making history as the first NCAA conference to introduce women’s flag football as an official varsity sport,” said Julie Hirshey, Vice President of Community Relations, Philadelphia Eagles. “This is truly a milestone moment, not just for college athletics but for women around the world. Opportunities like this foster a more inclusive experience on the field of play and empower young female athletes of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their athletic dreams at the collegiate level.”

“The Atlantic East Conference’s launch of the first-ever NCAA Women’s Flag Football season marks a pivotal moment for both flag football and women’s sports, and we’re honored to be part of it,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “At RCX, our mission is to create more opportunities for young athletes, and this milestone showcases what’s possible when organizations unite to champion and invest in inclusivity and growth in sports. This is only the beginning—soon, we’ll see more conferences in the collegiate space embrace the sport and more fans rally around these incredible athletes. We can’t wait to see these student-athletes take the field and inspire future generations.”

As the first NCAA conference to establish an official Women’s Flag Football season, the Atlantic East Conference sets a precedent for continued expansion and recognition of the sport at the collegiate level. The conference remains committed to championing the future of women’s athletics and providing student-athletes with the resources and platforms to excel.

Participating Teams Include:

•   Centenary University – Hackettstown, N.J.
•   Eastern University* - St. David’s, Pa.
•   Gwynedd Mercy University – Gwynedd Valley, Pa.
•   Holy Family University* - Philadelphia, Pa.
•   Immaculata University – Immaculata, Pa.
•   Marymount University – Arlington, Va.
•   Marywood University – Dunmore, Pa.
•   Neumann University – Aston, Pa.
•   Penn State Schuylkill* - Schuylkill Haven, Pa.

*Affiliate Members