BUFFALO, N.Y. — Villa Maria College has announced that its women's flag football program will join the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) beginning with the 2027 season, marking a significant step forward for the rapidly growing sport at the collegiate level.

The addition of Villa Maria to ECAC competition reflects the continued expansion and formalization of women's flag football across the country. The ECAC has emerged as a key organizing body in providing competitive opportunities and structure for emerging sports, including flag football.

The growth of the sport has been fueled in part by major investments from the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, whose support helped fund the creation of the nation's largest collegiate women's flag football league. Their commitment has accelerated access, visibility, and competitive opportunities for student-athletes nationwide.

"Joining the ECAC represents an exciting new chapter for our program and our student-athletes," said Villa Maria Women's Flag Football Head Coach Keith Wing. "We're proud to be part of the continued growth of women's flag football at the collegiate level and grateful for the partnerships helping drive this momentum."

Villa Maria's entry into ECAC competition enhances the college's athletic profile while contributing to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.