Nebraska to Introduce Women's Flag Football as Varsity Sport in 2028
The University of Nebraska Athletic Department has recently revealed plans to introduce flag football as a women's intercollegiate varsity sport. This decision comes after the NCAA announced the inclusion of flag football in the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. Flag football has seen significant growth in popularity across various levels, including youth, high school, and collegiate levels, and is set to be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Nebraska stands out as the first Power Four Conference school to embrace women's flag football as a varsity sport. The athletic department aims to launch a competitive flag football season in the spring of 2028, running from January to May. Plans are already in motion to recruit a head coach and build a roster by the summer, with the goal of assembling a team of approximately 15 players by the fall of 2026.
Nebraska Director of Athletics, Troy Dannen, expressed enthusiasm for the addition of women's flag football, highlighting the university's commitment to expanding opportunities in women's athletics. The alignment of Nebraska's inaugural flag football season in 2028 with the sport's inclusion in the Summer Olympics further underscores the significance of this development.
In order for sports to be considered for an NCAA championship, they must meet specific criteria, including sponsorship by at least 40 schools and compliance with competition and participant requirements. The process of establishing a championship can be lengthy, involving logistical considerations such as budgeting and site selection.
Nebraska previously hosted a women's flag football exhibition game, showcasing the sport's appeal and potential for growth. With the addition of women's flag football, Nebraska's athletic program will encompass 25 intercollegiate programs, with a balance of 15 women's teams and 10 men's teams. This marks the first sport added by Nebraska since the introduction of beach volleyball in 2013.
The Big Ten Conference Commissioner, Tony Petitti, commended the University of Nebraska and the NCAA for their support of women's flag football, emphasizing the importance of providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level. A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Hawks Championship Center Media Room to officially announce the addition of women's flag football to Nebraska's athletic offerings.