FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Allegheny College women's flag football team will compete in a newly-formed league sponsored by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the New York Jets, and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation.
On Tuesday, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a groundbreaking $1 million grant to the ECAC to fund the creation of the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the nation, launching in spring 2026. Allegheny joins fellow Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) institution Franciscan University and nearby Mercyhurst University as charter members of the 15-team league, which includes teams from Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
"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 kick off 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 from February through April on campus sites, culminating in the championship game at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center 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, N.J.
Dominican University* - Orangeburg, N.Y.
Eastern University - St. Davids, Pa.
Fairleigh Dickinson* - Teaneck, N.J.
Franciscan University - Steubenville, Ohio
Kean University - Union, N.J.
Long Island University - Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mercy University - Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
Mercyhurst University - Erie, Pa.
Montclair State University - Montclair, N.J.
Mount St. Mary's University - Emmitsburg, Md.
Union College* - Schenectady, N.Y.
Penn State Schuylkill - Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Sweet Briar College* - Sweet Briar, Va.
*Will begin play in spring 2027
Under the direction of the team's inaugural head coach,
Abigail Haynie, the Gators will make their debut as a club program this spring. The College anticipates elevating the team to varsity status in spring 2027, coinciding with the NCAA's inclusion of flag football in the Emerging Sports for Women program. Haynie has already led the Gators through several practices this fall, in addition to competing in Slippery Rock University's Halloween Classic tournament in October.
What They are Saying About the Jets & ECAC Women's Flag Football League:
Callie Brownson, New York Jets Flag Football Advisor: "This league is more than just games – it's about creating opportunities and building a future for women in football. From high school programs to the collegiate level, we're opening doors that didn't exist before. The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation's support ensures that young women can compete at the highest level, develop as leaders, and see a clear pathway to their dreams."
Jesse Linder, New York Jets Vice President Community Relations: "It is amazing to see the evolution of girls flag football from 2011 to today. The New York Jets are proud to have played a role in this growth and can't wait to see where it goes from here. From high school sanctioning to elite club play to collegiate flag football a pathway to the Olympics and professional flag football is being forged."
Quincy Williams, New York Jets Linebacker: "Launching the largest collegiate women's flag football league is a game-changing moment that will create opportunities that inspire and elevate the game. The programs the Jets have launched in the UK and Ireland have shown how much passion and talent exists for this sport worldwide. Now women will have the chance to experience what college football gave so many of us – competition, community, and growth."
Bill Ross, Allegheny College Director of Athletics & Recreation: "Allegheny College is excited to be part of the ECAC Women's Flag Football League. This initiative represents a remarkable investment in opportunities for women in sport, and we're proud to help open a new competitive pathway for our student-athletes. Thanks to the vision and investment of the New York Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, and the ECAC, our student-athletes will have the chance to compete at a high level in a rapidly growing sport."
Abigail Haynie, Allegheny College Head Women's Flag Football Coach: "Joining the ECAC Women's Flag Football League is a major milestone for our team. Not only does this show our dedication to women's flag football, but it gives us an opportunity to gain invaluable experience before the NCAA votes to recognize flag football as a championship sport. It's remarkable to see an organization like the New York Jets recognize where this sport is going and jumping into action."
