FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation 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 Woody Johnson, will fund the creation of the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the nation, launching in spring 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," said Woody Johnson, Chairman of the New York Jets. "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."
Mr. Johnson continued, "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. 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," said Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. "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."
"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," said Dan Coonan, ECAC Commissioner. "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."
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:
| School Name |
Location |
| Allegheny College |
Meadville, PA |
| Caldwell University* |
Caldwell, NJ |
| Dominican University* |
Orangeburg, NY |
| Eastern University |
St. Davids, PA |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University* |
Teaneck, NJ |
| Franciscan University |
Steubenville, OH |
| Kean University |
Union, NJ |
| Long Island University |
Brooklyn, NY |
| Mercy University |
Dobbs Ferry, NY |
| Mercyhurst University |
Erie, PA |
| Montclair State University |
Montclair, NJ |
| Mount St. Mary's University |
Emmitsburg, MD |
| Penn State Schuylkill |
Schuylkill Haven, PA |
| Sweet Briar College* |
Sweet Briar, VA |
| Union College* |
Schenectady, NY |
| *Teams will begin play in Spring 2027 |
|
"We are incredibly excited to be involved in this exciting and historic partnership with the ECAC and the New York Jets," said Union Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93. "The support of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation will help ensure the success of our new conference and encourage the growth of flag football throughout the region, and we are honored to be a part of it. As we look forward to the launch of our program next spring, this announcement provides even greater excitement to provide such an incredible opportunity for student-athletes."
If you are interested in playing flag football at Union, please fill out our recruiting questionnaire. Questions about the program can be sent to flagfootball@union.edu.
