EMMITSBURG, Md. (December 2, 2025) – Mount St. Mary's flag football announces a partnership with the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) in creating the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the nation. The league begins play in the spring of 2026, coinciding with the Mount's inaugural season.
 
The alignment is made possible by a generous contribution of a $1 million grant from the New York Jets through the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation (BWJF) and Jets Chairman Woody Johnson.
 
Mount St. Mary's will now compete in two conferences, as their earlier invitation to join Conference Carolinas this past April is unaffected by the ECAC partnership. The Mount are eligible to win the championship for both leagues.
 
In a press release from the Jets, Chairman Johnson said, "Empowering young women through football has always been central to our mission. Partnering with the ECAC to launch this league creates a clear pathway for student-athletes to compete, grow, and lead—on the field and beyond. The Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League builds on the success of our high school girls' flag program, which opened doors for thousands of athletes across the region. Now, we're taking the next step: collegiate play, Olympic dreams, and a future professional league."
 
Gameplay will feature the 7-on-7 format of flag football. The season will kickoff with a Media Day at MetLife Stadium in February, followed by a USA Football Talent ID Camp the following day. Regular season games will be played February through April on campus sites, culminating in the championship game hosted by the Jets. The 2026 championship will take place at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, with subsequent championships at MetLife Stadium.
 
As part of the Jets and BWJF commitment, each school will receive a grant to offset costs associated with fielding a flag football team. The following schools have committed to playing in the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League:
 

School Name	Location
Allegheny College	Meadville, PA
Caldwell University*	Caldwell, NJ
Dominican University*	Orangeburg, NY
Eastern University	St. Davids, PA
Fairleigh Dickinson*	Teaneck, NJ
Franciscan University	Steubenville, OH
Kean University	Union, NJ
Long Island University	Brooklyn, NY
Mercy University	Dobbs Ferry, NY
Mercyhurst University	Erie, PA
Montclair State University	Montclair, NJ
Mount St. Mary's University	Emmitsburg, MD
Union College*	Schenectady, NY
Penn State Schuylkill	Schuylkill Haven, PA
Sweet Briar College*	Sweet Briar, VA

 
*Team to Begin Competing in 2027
 
Mount St. Mary's announced the formation of a varsity women's flag football league in November 2024. Sandi James was hired as the team's head coach, and the first roster was announced in October. A full schedule of games for the inaugural season will be announced shortly.

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.