Women's flag football will be a college varsity sport in Maine for the first time

June 12, 2026 - 22:38

A new era for women's sports is kicking off in Maine, as one college in the state has announced it will field a varsity women's flag football team. This marks the first time the sport has been offered at the varsity level in the state. The move aligns with the NCAA's plan to hold its first official championship season for women's flag football in 2028, and the college intends to have its team ready to compete that year.

The decision reflects a growing interest in flag football across the country, particularly among young women. The sport has seen a surge in popularity at the high school level, and colleges are now starting to respond. By adding the team, the school hopes to provide new athletic opportunities and attract student-athletes who might not have considered the college otherwise.

While the announcement is a milestone for the state, it also signals a broader shift in college athletics. Flag football offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional tackle football, and it allows schools to expand their women's sports offerings without the same level of financial investment. For now, the focus in Maine is on building a competitive program from the ground up, with recruiting and coaching hires expected to ramp up in the coming months. The 2028 season is still a few years away, but for players and fans of the sport, the wait is finally over.