Backed by a $1 million investment from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, the league is designed to support key program needs such as equipment, uniforms, coaching, travel, and administrative costs. League play is expected to kick off in February 2026.
Ten colleges and universities across five states have committed to the inaugural season, with an additional five institutions preparing to join in 2027.
Penn State Schuylkill launched its women’s flag football program in October 2024, and joining a league supported by an NFL franchise marks a major step forward for the growing team.
“Having an organization like the Jets taking us under their wing is heartwarming, exciting and inspirational,” said Sierra Wishnefsky, a fourth-year psychology major and team captain. “It’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes and our campus.”
Interest in women’s flag football has surged nationally at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. The sport is even set to debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, placing the new Jets–ECAC league in a pivotal position to develop athletes for future national and international competition.
Head coach Bryan Valentine, who also serves as Penn State Schuylkill’s chief student affairs officer and director of student affairs and athletics, said the partnership represents a monumental turning point for the program.
“The launch of the New York Jets and ECAC league is an exciting step forward for women’s flag football, and we are thrilled to be part of its very first season,” Valentine said. “It brings national visibility and new competitive opportunities for our athletes, and it pairs perfectly with the strong and growing experience we have in the Atlantic East Conference. Between these two leagues, our players will face high-level competition, develop at a faster pace and showcase what Penn State Schuylkill is building. We cannot wait to start playing in the spring.”
