Fiesta Bowl sets new women’s flag football standard with 8-team tournament featuring NCAA teams

Rylen Bourguet’s game-winning touchdown at the inaugural Fiesta Bowl Flag Football Classic highlighted the rapid growth of women’s flag football, a sport gaining traction at the NCAA Division I level. The event, held at Arizona State University, featured eight teams, with UCF defeating Florida to claim the title. The tournament’s success, including a televised final and strong sponsorship, suggests a bright future for the sport, which is set to debut at the 2028 Olympics. Currently, only Alabama State offers scholarships, but the sport’s inclusion in the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program indicates potential expansion. With nearly 100 NCAA Division I club teams now, up from about 10 in 2019, the sport’s popularity is undeniable. Georgia coach Caroline Caplinger, who works with NFL FLAG, anticipates continued growth, reflecting a broader movement in women’s sports. QUESTION: How might the inclusion of women’s flag football in the Olympics influence its popularity and development at the collegiate level?