WNFC Launches Nationwide Flag Expansion, Connecting More Women to Football

WNFC
Oct 8
2 min read

The Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) is proud to announce the nationwide expansion of its flag football program, bringing regional women’s flag tournaments to all 16 WNFC markets.

This initiative builds on a proven foundation: for the past four years, the WNFC has hosted one of the country’s premier varsity girls’ flag tournaments, powered by adidas, along with its highly competitive annual adult women’s tournament. Now, the league is taking the next step, expanding nationally to connect more women to the game and creating a clear pathway from local play to the national spotlight of IX Cup Championship Weekend.

Flag as the Gateway

Millions of women and girls are being introduced to the game through flag football. Every year, more are choosing to put on pads and step into tackle.

The WNFC celebrates the rise of flag while recognizing its role as a critical entry point into tackle football. As the most professional and advanced women’s tackle league in the world, the WNFC is building a complete ecosystem where athletes can choose their path: flag, tackle, or both.

What the Expansion Includes

Regional tournaments are already locked in for Dallas, Atlanta, Jacksonville, DC and San Diego, with additional markets in the planning phase. Each WNFC regional flag tournament will reflect the professionalism and competitive excellence that define the league:

NCAA and Olympic formats (5v5 and 7v7)
Women’s divisions (18+), with youth divisions available based on market demand
Certified officials and standardized rules across all tournaments
Cash prizes for champions
Automatic bids to WNFC National Flag Tournament

This structure creates a true competitive pathway: local → regional → national, with champions advancing to compete for national titles alongside the league’s tackle showcase.

Winning a regional brings more than prize money, it brings a ticket to the premier weekend in women’s football. Regional champions will earn their place at WNFC IX Cup Championship Weekend, where flag and tackle athletes share the same stage.

For athletes, it’s visibility at the highest level. For the sport, it’s a unified platform that elevates both formats and strengthens women’s football on every level.

Who Should Get Involved?

Athletes ready to test themselves in a professional, structured environment
Teams & Coaches seeking elite competition and growth opportunities
Owners & Program Directors building rosters for the future of women’s flag
Partners & Brands wanting to align with one of the fastest-growing opportunities in women’s sports

The WNFC is honored to create more opportunities, more access, and more visibility for women in the game.

Registration is officially open. Visit our Flag Regional page to secure your place in the WNFC’s nationwide flag expansion. Compete locally, earn your spot regionally, and take your shot at the national stage during IX Cup Championship Weekend.