ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University announced on Tuesday, Oct. 28, that it will add varsity flag football to its intercollegiate athletics lineup beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The newest program will officially begin competition in the spring of 2027, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and marking the latest step in the continued growth of MBU Athletics.

"This is an exciting step for our athletics program," said MBU Director of Athletics, Jeff Fore. "The addition of flag football opens new opportunities for student-athletes, enhances campus life, and aligns with our mission to provide high-quality athletic experiences. We expect the new program will strengthen our Spartan family and further enrich the student-athlete community at MBU."

The decision to introduce flag football follows a comprehensive review of sport expansion opportunities and reflects the growing popularity of the game at the collegiate level nationwide. The sport offers a dynamic and fast-paced alternative to traditional contact football, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and skill development.

Recruiting efforts for the inaugural team will begin during the 2025-26 academic year, with the hiring of a head coach expected in the coming months. The program will provide athletic scholarship opportunities and access to the same academic and performance resources offered to all MBU varsity athletes, including athletic training, strength and conditioning, and student-athlete academic support.

In July, the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) Executive Committee approved Women's Flag Football as an invitational sport for the 2025-26 season—a significant milestone for collegiate flag football, which launched as an emerging sport in the NAIA in 2021.

"We're excited and encouraged by the continued, rapid growth of Women's Flag Football in the NAIA, and proud to be leading the way in that growth in the collegiate space," said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President of Championships. "Getting to invitational status is a big step in solidifying the sport on college campuses across the country."

The addition of flag football continues MBU's strategic commitment to broadening its athletic offerings while fostering leadership and engagement opportunities across campus. The new program will utilize existing campus facilities.

Prospective students and student-athletes interested in learning more about the new program, scholarship availability, or recruiting opportunities are encouraged to contact the MBU Athletics Department.

For more information on NAIA Women's Flag Football, visit NAIA.org. About Missouri Baptist University:
Missouri Baptist University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in St. Louis, Missouri. MBU competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is dedicated to fostering academic and athletic excellence. The university offers a wide array of programs designed to develop students holistically, both on and off the field.