LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Athletic Department announced the addition of Women's Flag Football that will be implemented in the 2026-27 Athletic Year.
With the addition of Women's Flag Football, West Alabama now sponsors 17 sports.
"We are excited to announce the addition of women's flag football," said Director of Athletics Brett Gilliland. "By adding this dynamic sport, we are not only expanding our offerings—we're creating new pathways for female student-athletes to compete, grow, and thrive at the collegiate level."
Earlier this year, Women's Flag Football received a recommendation from the NCAA to join the emerging Sports for Women Program, moving the sport closer to NCAA Championship status.
Flag football has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. At least 65 NCAA schools are sponsoring Women's Flag Football at either the club or varsity levels this year, with more slated to join in 2026. Flag Football also has been added as a sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
"UWA is taking the lead in one of the region's fastest-growing sports, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, growth, and athletic excellence," Gilliland continued.
In the sport of Alabama, 57 high schools carry Women's Flag Football, while they're 1,296 teams nationally.
On the collegiate level, 43 Division I, 37 Division II, and 65 Division III institutions carry Women's Flag Football. Within the South Region, West Alabama will join Nova Southeastern, Saint Leo, and Tampa as the universities that sponsor the sport.
On a national level, the National Football League (NFL) has launched the NFL FLAG campaign with over 2,000 youth leagues and 800,000 youth athletes across the country. After being sanctioned as a high school sport in 2021, more than 130 Alabama high schools sponsor the sport.
Key Rules and Regulations:
Team/Roster size: Teams compete 7-on-7, with an average roster of 25 players
Timing: Four 12-minute quarters
Gameplay: Offense has 4 downs to cross each 20 yard line for a first down, with option to punt at third down. If unsuccessful, teams surrender possession to opponent.
Scoring: Teams score six points for a touchdown and, after a touchdown, can gain an extra one or two points for a set play from five or 10 yard lines.
Equipment: Competitors wear tightly fixed flag belts with sockets and two pop-flags on either side of their hips.
Playing surface: 80 x 40 yard field
With UWA set to embark on their flag football journey in 2026-27, a search for the program's first head coach is underway.
"As the sport gains momentum across the country, we're proud to be among the first to embrace its future," said University of West Alabama President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. "This move reflects our continued dedication to building an athletic department that empowers our student-athletes and positions UWA as a leader both on and off the field."
