BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Building on the momentum of a standout sophomore season, the St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) women's flag football team has announced its move to the ECAC/New York Jets Flag Football League for the 2027 season.
The program enters the new conference following a 2026 campaign that saw an 18-game schedule, securing a runner-up finish in the inaugural Skyline Conference Flag Football Championship. The Bears also competed on the national stage this year, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the National Collegiate Flag Football League Championship.
The transition marks a rapid ascent for the Bears, who debuted in 2025 with a brief six-game schedule played largely against Skyline opponents.
"We are beyond excited to join the ECAC/Jets Flag Football League for the upcoming 2026-2027 season! This partnership will provide enhanced opportunities for our student-athletes and will ensure that we have a full, robust schedule," proclaimed Director of Athletics and Recreation Megan Valentine. "The evolution of women's flag football has been remarkable, and we are thankful to the ECAC, RCX Sports, and the NCAA for championing the sport's development. This partnership is a major step forward in providing our student-athletes with elite competitive opportunities. We are proud to join forces with organizations committed to the future of the game."
"Joining the ECAC/Jets Flag Football League is a significant step forward for our program, enhancing our competition, scheduling, and foundational growth. Our players and coaches are incredibly excited for this opportunity provided by the ECAC and the New York Jets," remarked Domenico DeLisi, head women's flag football coach. "When the ECAC first announced plans for this league, I engaged in several discussions with Megan regarding potential membership. Our program is grateful for the support from Megan and the administration as we embrace this next chapter."
Established in the spring of 2026, the ECAC/Jets Flag Football League stands as the nation's largest collegiate women's flag football circuit. The league was launched with the support of a $1 million grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Ahead of the 2027 season, the ECAC expects to have a 32-team league, with four divisions of eight teams playing roughly a dozen conference games, culminating in a postseason championship involving every team over the last week of April and the first week of May.
Over the weekend, Marymount University captured the inaugural ECAC/Jets Flag Football League Championship title, defeating Franciscan University 37-26 in Sunday afternoon's final at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.
