Overview
- The Big 12, in reports Tuesday confirmed by CBS Sports, is exploring formal sponsorship of women’s flag football with a 2028 start and at least six teams.
- Exploratory work is led by commissioner Brett Yormark and competition chief Scott Draper with NFL support, with Draper saying the league is trying to “meet the moment” to drive growth.
- Separately, the Big South said it will sponsor the sport in 2027-28, with Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Radford, UNC Asheville and USC Upstate committed.
- Momentum follows January’s NCAA Emerging Sport recognition and Nebraska’s plan to add a varsity team, as the sport readies for its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles.
- High school participation grew about 60% year over year, more than 65 colleges field teams in some form, and NFL–TMRW pro leagues are planned to create a ladder from school to paid play.