MEAC Expands Women's Flag Football Ahead of 2026 Season
The Mid‑Eastern Athletic Conference announced Tuesday that Mississippi Valley State University and Gardner‑Webb University will join as associate members for women’s flag football, bringing the league’s sponsorship of the sport to six institutions for the 2026‑27 academic year.
Women’s flag football has been designated an NCAA Emerging Sport, a status that paves the way for championship recognition by spring 2028 and a historic Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Conference Leaders Celebrate the Growth
MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills said the additions strengthen the conference’s presence in an emerging sport and reflect a broader commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes.
Dr. Alecia Shields‑Gadson, Director of Athletics at Mississippi Valley State, called the partnership a historic milestone for her student‑athletes, while Gardner‑Webb Vice President for Athletics Brendan Fahey described it as a significant step forward for his program.
The inaugural season will feature competition among the six participating schools, with championship formats and operational details to be released later this year.
Both universities expressed enthusiasm about competing at a higher level and contributing to the sport’s rapid development across the United States.