University Of West Alabama Adding Women's Flag Football Next Year

LIVINGSTON, AL — The University of West Alabama announced this week it will add women’s flag football beginning with the 2026-27 athletic year, bringing UWA’s varsity lineup to 17 sports.

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“We are excited to announce the addition of women’s flag football,” UWA Director of Athletics Brett Gilliland said. “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.”

The move comes as the NCAA this year recommended women’s flag football for the Emerging Sports for Women program — a step advocates say puts the sport closer to eventual championship status.

UWA said flag football is among the fastest-growing sports nationwide, with participation at the varsity or club level across the country. More schools are also expected to join by 2026.

UWA then pointed to growth in Alabama high schools since the sport was sanctioned in 2021, with more than 130 programs statewide and an estimated 1,296 teams nationally. Within the South Region, West Alabama will join Nova Southeastern, Saint Leo and Tampa among universities sponsoring the sport.

“UWA is taking the lead in one of the region’s fastest-growing sports, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, growth and athletic excellence,” Gilliland said.

A search is underway for the program’s first head coach.

“As the sport gains momentum across the country, we’re proud to be among the first to embrace its future,” UWA President Todd G. Fritch said. “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.”

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