Building on a surging wave of momentum for women’s collegiate athletics, the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a major expansion of the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League. The league is set to nearly double in size, growing from 15 participating schools in 2026 to 29 schools for the 2027 season.
The expansion is powered by an additional $500,000 commitment from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. This latest investment follows the Foundation’s initial $1 million founding grant in 2025, bringing its total financial support for the pioneering collegiate league to $1.5 million.
The milestone announcement came on the heels of a special championship celebration during the Jets-Dolphins game at MetLife Stadium. During the ceremony, Marymount University—the reigning 2026 ECAC Women’s Flag Football champions—were honored on the field and presented with their championship rings. The event also highlighted the unveiling of “The Betty,” the championship trophy named in honor of the late Betty Wold Johnson, which represents her enduring legacy of community, service, and expanding doors for young people.
Launched to bridge the gap between high school participation and elite international competition, the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League has quickly evolved into a national model for developing the sport at the collegiate level.
ECAC Commissioner Dan Coonan praised the ongoing partnership, emphasizing the profound impact the funding has on student-athletes.
“The entire ECAC women’s flag community is thrilled that Woody Johnson, the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation are enhancing their transformational commitment to our burgeoning flag football league,” Coonan said. “This will enable twice as many programs and talented young women to pursue their athletic dreams. The talent and desire has always been there. All they lacked was the opportunity.”
Ken Farber, Executive Director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, echoed those sentiments, noting how sports serve as a catalyst for personal growth and leadership development.
“Betty Wold Johnson spent her life giving with compassion and opening doors for young people,” said Farber. “These athletes show what sports can do for personal growth, and as interest in women’s flag football accelerates, we’re proud to support the league’s expansion so even more young women have access to these transformative experiences.”
Looking Ahead to 2027
With participation rates climbing at an unprecedented pace, the expanded 29-team footprint in 2027 will open doors for more schools to build sustainable varsity programs. Beyond cultivating athletic competition, the partnership aims to equip student-athletes with vital life skills, including confidence, leadership, and lifelong connections.
As preparations begin for Year Two, the collaboration between the New York Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, and the ECAC solidifies a permanent, thriving pathway for women’s flag football on the collegiate landscape.
