Another major college is getting into the flag football business.
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Sacramento State announced that it is adding women's flag football, making it the school's 22nd intercollegiate sport.
The Hornets will begin competition as a club program during the 2026-27 academic year, with plans to elevate the team to NCAA Division I status in 2027-28. Once that happens, Sacramento State could also offer athletic scholarships to flag football players.
"We are ecstatic to announce the addition of a women's flag football team," athletic director Mark Orr said.
The decision comes as participation in the sport continues to explode, particularly in California.
According to Sacramento State, girls flag football is the state's fastest-growing high school sport, with participation increasing 84% year-over-year. More than 75 colleges are already expected to compete at the NCAA or club level, and Sacramento State will become the eighth California school to add a program.
There's also considerably more growth coming.
The NCAA added flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program earlier this year and is considering establishing national championships for Divisions I, II and III as early as spring 2028.
Sacramento State plans to conduct a national search for its first head coach and expects an initial roster of at least 15 players.
Of course, there's another rather significant date looming.
Women's flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
So by the time the world's best arrive in California, Sacramento State intends to have a Division I team of its own.
