NIRSA Club Flag League taps Franklin Sports as preferred equipment provider

The NIRSA Club Flag League has signed a five-year partnership with Franklin Sports, naming the company its Preferred Equipment Provider as the women’s collegiate flag football league prepares to launch in January 2027. The deal is designed to help new programs get equipment as the league expands nationwide and heads toward its first national championship in spring 2027.

Why it matters: - The agreement gives the NIRSA Club Flag League a dedicated equipment partner as women’s collegiate flag football moves from launch phase to national competition. - Franklin Sports will help supply the gear needed for new programs entering the league, which could lower a practical barrier to participation. - The partnership supports a sport that is building toward broader collegiate recognition and potential inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

What happened: - NIRSA Club Flag League announced a five-year partnership with Franklin Sports on October 13, 2026. - Franklin Sports is now the league’s Preferred Equipment Provider. - The agreement covers flag football belts, footballs, and related equipment. - The partnership is non-exclusive. - The league is the first national collegiate women’s club flag football league developed in partnership with the NFL.

The details: - Franklin Sports was founded in 1946 and has supplied NFL FLAG equipment since 2019. - NIRSA said the partnership will support the continued growth of the league as the sport expands across college campuses nationwide. - Emily Hughes, Senior Director of Business Strategy & Partnerships for NIRSA, said the deal is a step forward in building the future of collegiate women’s flag football. - Chris Rodday, Head of Brand Partnerships at Franklin Sports, said the partnership is intended to create access, drive participation, and support long-term growth of the sport. - The first season is scheduled to launch in January 2027. - The league already has commitments from 80+ colleges and universities. - Schools listed so far include Indiana, Florida, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia, Penn State, Arizona State, Oklahoma, UCLA, and USC. - Additional institutions are expected to be announced in the coming months. - The inaugural season will end with a national championship event in spring 2027. - Schools with clubs eligible to compete in the 2027 season can register at more information. - NIRSA said schedules, championship location, and broadcast opportunities will be announced shortly.

Between the lines: - The deal gives Franklin Sports a visible role in a new college sports platform without locking out other suppliers. - The league’s early school count suggests immediate national interest, which could help accelerate formal recognition of women’s club flag football. - Tying the launch to the Olympic conversation signals that the league is positioning itself as part of a larger growth story, not just a one-season competition.

What's next: - NIRSA plans to release more details on schedules, the championship site, and broadcast plans. - More participating schools are expected to be named before the 2027 season begins. - Competition will start in January 2027 and conclude with the national championship in spring 2027.