The New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a major expansion of the Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League, which will now grow from 15 schools in 2026 to 29 schools in 2027. Made possible by an additional 500,000 dollar commitment from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. The latest investment builds on the foundation’s earlier investment of a 1 million dollar founding grant in 2025. Bringing its total support to 1.5 million dollars. The expansion helps support female athletes and strengthens one of the nation’s most sustainable pathways for women’s flag football.
The Jets ECAC Women’s Flag Football League was created in 2025 through the vision of the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to help accelerate the growth of female athletes in women’s flag football. It began as a 15-school league and quickly became a developmental program for the collegiate level.
What is The ECAC?
The ECAC is the Eastern College Athletic Conference and was founded in 1938. They compete with over 200 members in 15 sports across all three divisions in the NCAA (Divisions I, II, III). It exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics. Providing value to colleges and universities, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, and tournaments. Most ECAC members belong to another conference, which is often the school’s primary conference.
“The entire ECAC women’s flag community is thrilled that Woody Johnson, the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Foundation and enhancing their transformational commitment to our burgeoning flag football league,” said Dan Coonan, ECAC Commissioner. “This will enable twice as many programs and talented young women to pursue the athletic dreams. The talent and desire has always been there. All they lacked was the opportunity. We are so appreciative of this monumental gift to advance this emerging sport, and can’t wait to kick off Year Two of ECAC Women’s Flag Football.”
The expansion reflects a shared commitment by the Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and ECAC to support the continued expansion of women’s flag football. Creating opportunities that extend past the field. Through the participation in sports, student-athletes gain valuable leadership skills, build confidence and develop lasting relationships throughout their lives.
What is the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation?
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of the beloved matriarch of the Johnson family, Betty Wold Johnson. Guided by her deep compassion, humility, and her unwavering belief in everyone. As a visionary and philanthropist, Ms. Johnson left behind a legacy rooted in uplifting every individual, civic responsibility, and the American experience.
The foundation champions access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and employment. It invests in programs such as scientific research, and cultural institutions that enrich the spirit and strengthen the fabric of society.
The Foundation continues her work with thoughtful care, cost-effective giving, and a commitment to reaching the greatest number of people with every dollar donated.
“Betty Wold Johnson spent her life giving with compassion and opening doors for young people,” said Ken Farber, Executive Director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. “That’s why it meant so much to see this year’s champions hoist ‘The Betty.’ The trophy carries her name and represents what she stood for: service, community and lasting impact. These athletes show what sports can do for personal growth, and as interest in women’s flag football accelerates, we’re proud to support the league’s expansion so even more young women have access to these transformative experiences.”
The championship recognition at MetLife Stadium serves as a strong example of the league’s success and the opportunities now available to female athletes through women’s flag football.
As participation of women’s flag football across the nation increased at an extraordinary pace and continues to grow each day. The league’s growth is reflective of the current nationwide growth of the sport as a whole. With the sport expected to become an Olympic Sport played at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, it’s safe to say the sport of women’s flag football has made it’s impact across the nation.
