SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — The New York Jets and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) have partnered to launch what will become the largest collegiate women’s flag football league in the United States, and Penn State Schuylkill will compete as one of its charter members.
The league, backed by a $1 million commitment from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, aims to support essential program needs including equipment, uniforms, coaching resources, travel and administrative costs.
League play is scheduled to begin in February 2026. Ten institutions across five states have committed to the inaugural season, with another five slated to join in 2027.
Penn State Schuylkill introduced women’s flag football as part of its athletics offerings in October 2024. For the campus community, the chance to compete in a league supported by an NFL franchise marks a significant milestone.
“Having an organization like the Jets taking us under their wing is heartwarming, exciting and inspirational,” said Sierra Wishnefsky, fourth-year psychology major and team captain.
Interest in women’s flag football continues to rise at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. The sport is also set to debut in the 2028 Olympic Games, positioning the new league as a potential pipeline to broader national and international opportunities.
Head coach and chief student affairs officer and director of student affairs and athletics, Bryan Valentine, said the partnership represents a major leap forward for the program.
“The launch of the New York Jets and ECAC league is an exciting step forward for women’s flag football, and we are thrilled to be part of its very first season,” Valentine said. “It brings national visibility and new competitive opportunities for our athletes, and it pairs perfectly with the strong and growing experience we have in the Atlantic East Conference. Between these two leagues, our players will face high-level competition, develop at a faster pace and showcase what Penn State Schuylkill is building. We cannot wait to start playing in the spring.”
For athletes, coaches and supporters, the start of league play in 2026 will mark more than the beginning of a new season. It signals the start of a new era for women’s flag football — and a new chapter in Penn State Schuylkill athletics.
Learn more about Women's Flag Football at Penn State Schuylkill.