The rise of women’s flag football took another huge leap as UT Arlington announced that it will launch a varsity program in 2027, becoming the first NCAA Division I school in Texas to embrace the sport at this level.
With the Mavericks joining a small but growing group of D1 programs, the announcement hints towards a new chapter for a sport that is all set to reshape collegiate athletics and make its Olympic debut in 2028.
UT Arlington’s Big Step May Take Collegiate Women’s Flag Football To New Heights
UT Arlington’s decision can be big for the Mavericks, who haven’t fielded a football team since disbanding their men’s tackle program in 1985. The new women’s flag football team will compete at the 12,000-seat Maverick Stadium, catering to their loyal fan base.
𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋…
Women’s Flag Football is coming in 2027 👀#BuckEm🐎 x @UTArlington pic.twitter.com/KKiBwBeZoE
— UTA Athletics (@UTAMAVS) May 15, 2025
The Mavericks are the fifth D1 program to commit to varsity women’s flag football, joining Mount St. Mary’s, Alabama State, Long Island, and Mercyhurst. As the first Western Athletic Conference (WAC) member to sponsor the sport, UT Arlington can be an example for the region.
The program will be hiring a coaching staff later this year and begin recruiting players, with a focus toward building a competitive roster by 2027.
Women’s Flag Football Is Growing Rapidly
Women’s flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics. The NCAA reports approximately 65 schools currently support flag football at the varsity or club level, with Division III’s Atlantic East Conference making history last month by completing a full season and crowning a champion.
The sport’s growth is fueled by its low barriers to entry and its appeal to a diverse group of athletes. UT Arlington’s move follows other Texas schools like Division III Concordia and NAIA Texas Wesleyan, which already sponsor varsity teams, while WAC peers Grand Canyon and Cal Baptist offer club programs.
Radford, a D1 Big South member, announced this week it will introduce flag football as a club sport this fall, with plans to elevate it to varsity status.
With the sport’s trajectory skyrocketing, women’s flag football is set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The NCAA has recommended adding it to its Emerging Sports for Women program, a step toward establishing a national championship.
To achieve this, at least 40 schools must sponsor varsity teams within 10 years, meeting minimum requirements for games and participation. With UT Arlington’s addition, the count inches closer, though Power Four conferences have yet to commit.
KEEP READING: NFL and Olympics Fuel a Flag Football Invasion That Could Reshape College Football
As the Mavericks prepare to build their program, eyes are on other D1 schools to follow their example. The sport’s inclusivity and fast-paced nature make it a natural fit for expanding women’s athletics, aligning with the NCAA’s push for equity.
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