ECAC and New York Jets Launch Historic Women’s Flag Football Intercollegiate League at MetLife Stadium
ECAC AND NEW YORK JETS LAUNCH HISTORIC WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL INTERCOLLEGIATE LEAGUE AT METLIFE STADIUM
DANBURY, Conn. February 27, 2026- The ECAC and the New York Jets hosted their first-ever Media Day at MetLife Stadium on Friday to unveil the new ECAC Women’s Flag Football Intercollegiate League, which kicks off competition this weekend.
The launch represents a significant step forward for women’s intercollegiate athletics and the continued rise of flag football nationwide.
Approximately 300 student-athletes representing 15 universities were in attendance for the landmark event, which was hosted by NFL sportscaster and television personality Kay Adams. Gratitude was the prevailing theme throughout the day, as coaches and players alike expressed their appreciation to the Jets and the ECAC for providing a long-awaited platform to compete at the collegiate level.
The program featured remarks from New York Jets Vice President Jesse Linder and ECAC Commissioner Dan Coonan, followed by a panel discussion on the rapid ascension of flag football. Adams moderated the conversation with USA Football’s Callie Brownson, U.S. National Flag Football Team member Brianna Hernandez-Silva, and Commissioner Coonan.
The league is supported by a $1 million grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. Its inaugural championship tournament will be held May 2–3 at the Jets’ practice facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. Coonan noted that expansion is already underway, with additional institutions expressing interest in joining the league for its second season.
In January, NCAA membership voted to designate flag football as one of the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women — a major milestone in the sport’s continued growth at the collegiate level.
For more information about the ECAC Women’s Flag Football Intercollegiate League, visit ecacjetsflagfootball.com.
About the ECAC- The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-eight year-old organization with over 200 members schools across all three NCAA Divisions—I, II and III—that exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics, and provide great value for universities and colleges, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast and beyond. The ECAC also hosts a comprehensive esports program with more than 300 member schools across the country fielding 2500 teams participating in 24 different esports games, streamed live four nights a week.
About ECAC
The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty-eight year-old organization with over 200 members schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III—that exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics, and provide great value for universities and colleges, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast and beyond. The ECAC also hosts a comprehensive esports program with more than 300 member schools across the country fielding 2500 teams participating in 24 different esports games, streamed live four nights a week.
About Betty Wold Johnson Foundation
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Betty Wold Johnson — a visionary philanthropist and beloved matriarch of the Johnson family. Guided by her deep compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual, the Foundation supports initiatives that uplift communities and foster lasting impact across education, public service, arts and sports.
Rooted in Betty Wold Johnson’s lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and the American experience, the Foundation champions access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and employment. It invests in innovative programs, scientific research, and cultural institutions that enrich the spirit and strengthen the fabric of society.
From her historic $11 million gift to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center — the largest individual donation in its history — to her steadfast support of the Liberty Science Center, McCarter Theatre, Princeton Hospital, and the Lupus Research Alliance, Ms. Johnson’s philanthropy was as bold as it was personal. Her legacy is one of generosity, grace, and a belief that every life is worthy of dignity and opportunity.
The Foundation continues her work with thoughtful stewardship, cost-effective giving, and a commitment to reaching the greatest number of people with every dollar donated.
About New York Jets
The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans, an original member of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won Super Bowl III, defeating the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1969. In 1970, the franchise joined the National Football League in the historic AFL–NFL merger that set the foundation for today’s league. As part of a commitment to its fan base through innovation and experiences, the team has created initiatives such as, its trailblazing Jets Rewards program, a state-of-the-art mobile app, and 1JD Entertainment, a comprehensive content platform that gives fans greater access to the team across all digital and social platforms. The organization takes great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their community. These programs are funded by the New York Jets Foundation and look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The organization supports the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, youth football and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL. The New York Jets play in MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information about the New York Jets visit
www.newyorkjets.com.