Marian University Athletics Adds Women’s Flag Football as 26th Intercollegiate Sport

Marian University Athletics announced during a press conference yesterday that women’s flag football will become the 26th intercollegiate sport in its athletic department, starting in the spring of 2026. This makes Marian the first four-year higher-education institution in Wisconsin to offer women’s flag football. The only other college in Wisconsin to offer the sport is Bryant and Stratton College, a member of the NJCAA.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), approximately 500,000 girls aged 6-17 participated in flag football in 2023. The sport is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

This addition marks the 10th sport introduced to the Sabre athletic department since 2015. Flag football has garnered support from the NFL, with the Green Bay Packers assisting Marian in grassroots efforts to add the sport.

The announcement was made by Marian Athletic Director Tony Draves, alongside Marian President Aaron Sadoff. They were joined by former Green Bay Packer George Koonce.

You can listen to the press conference in its entirety.