The Big 12 is considering formally sponsoring women's flag football as a varsity sport, becoming the first major college league to do so. The league is aiming for a 2028 launch with at least six teams. The conference first announced interest in flag football in December when it announced a strategic partnership with the NFL. The sport has grown 60% year-over-year at the high school level and is set to reach an international stage as men's and women's football is introduced as a sport at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Big South Conference also announced it would add women’s flag football to its football offerings, with five schools already offering the sport.