Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Commits Additional $500,000 to Expand Girls Flag Football Opportunities

The New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Are Expanding Opportunities for Women Through Continued Investment in the ECAC Women's Flag Football League, Building One of the Nation's Strongest Pathways for Female Athletes

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation today announced a major expansion of the Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League, which will grow from 15 participating schools in 2026 to 29 schools in 2027. Made possible by an additional $500,000 commitment from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, this latest investment builds on the Foundation's $1 million founding grant in 2025, bringing its total support of the league to $1.5 million. The expansion reinforces a shared commitment to increasing opportunities for female athletes and strengthening one of the nation's most comprehensive and sustainable pathways for women's flag football.

The announcement follows a special championship celebration during the Jets-Dolphins game at MetLife Stadium, where Marymount University, the 2026 ECAC Women's Flag Football champions, were recognized on the field and presented with championship rings. The ceremony highlighted both the success of the league and the growing impact of women's flag football throughout the region.

The Jets ECAC Women's Flag Football League was created through the vision and support of the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation to help accelerate the growth of female flag football and expand opportunities for female athletes. What began as a 15-school initiative has quickly become a model for developing the sport at the collegiate level, creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes while demonstrating the demand for greater access to women's flag football. The league's continued growth reflects the success of that original investment and the increasing momentum behind the sport nationwide.

As participation in women's flag football continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, the Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation are investing in the next phase of the league's development, helping create additional opportunities for student-athletes while supporting the continued growth of schools and programs across the ECAC footprint.

The ECAC Women's Flag Football League has become an important platform for female athletes, providing meaningful opportunities for competition while helping schools build sustainable programs that support student-athlete development. The latest expansion will further strengthen the pathway from participation to competition while opening the door for additional schools and student-athletes to become involved in the sport.

"The entire ECAC women's flag community is thrilled that Woody Johnson, the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation are enhancing their transformational commitment to our burgeoning flag football league," said Dan Coonan, ECAC Commissioner. "This will enable twice as many programs and talented young women to pursue their athletic dreams. The talent and desire has always been there. All they lacked was the opportunity.  We are so appreciative of this monumental gift to advance this emerging sport, and can't wait to kick off Year Two of ECAC Women's Flag Football."

The expansion reflects a shared commitment by the Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and ECAC to support the continued advancement of women's flag football while creating opportunities that extend beyond the playing field. Through participation in sports, student-athletes gain valuable leadership skills, build confidence and develop connections that can have a lasting impact throughout their lives.

"Betty Wold Johnson spent her life giving with compassion and opening doors for young people," said Ken Farber, Executive Director of the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation. "That's why it meant so much to see this year's champions hoist 'The Betty.' The trophy carries her name and represents what she stood for: service, community and lasting impact. These athletes show what sports can do for personal growth, and as interest in women's flag football accelerates, we're proud to support the league's expansion so even more young women have access to these transformative experiences."

The championship recognition at MetLife Stadium served as a powerful example of the league's success and the opportunities now available to female athletes through women's flag football. The expansion builds upon that momentum by bringing additional schools and student-athletes into the program and ensuring more girls and women have the opportunity to compete, grow and succeed. Together, the Jets, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation and ECAC are helping shape the future of women's flag football while demonstrating how strategic investment and strong partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

About ECAC

The ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) is an eighty nine-year old organization with well over 200 members schools across all three NCAA Divisions - I, II and III - that exists to enhance the experience of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics, and provide great value for universities and colleges, by sponsoring championships, leagues, bowl games, tournaments and other competitions throughout the Northeast. Most of the ECAC's members also belong to another conference, which is often the school's primary conference.

The ECAC also hosts a comprehensive esports program that presently involves over 270 schools fielding 1500 teams across 21 different esports games, streamed live four nights a week. The ECAC's esports platform has and continues to expand the geographic footprint of the Conference nationally.

Additionally, the ECAC is becoming involved in sponsoring competitions and leagues involving other varsity and club sports that do not fall under the umbrella of the NCAA.

About Betty Wold Johnson Foundation

The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Betty Wold Johnson — a visionary philanthropist and beloved matriarch of the Johnson family. Guided by her deep compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual, the Foundation supports initiatives that uplift communities and foster lasting impact across education, public service, arts and sports.

Rooted in Betty Wold Johnson's lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and the American experience, the Foundation champions access to essential resources such as food, shelter, education, and employment. It invests in innovative programs, scientific research, and cultural institutions that enrich the spirit and strengthen the fabric of society.

From her historic $11 million gift to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center — the largest individual donation in its history — to her steadfast support of the Liberty Science Center, McCarter Theatre, Princeton Hospital, and the Lupus Research Alliance, Ms. Johnson's philanthropy was as bold as it was personal. Her legacy is one of generosity, grace, and a belief that every life is worthy of dignity and opportunity. 

The Foundation continues her work with thoughtful stewardship, cost-effective giving, and a commitment to reaching the greatest number of people with every dollar donated.

About New York Jets

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans and served as a charter member of the American Football League. Following the 1968 season, the team made history by becoming the first AFL franchise to win a world championship, defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III—a victory widely credited with validating the AFL ahead of its 1970 merger with the NFL. Today, as one of the league's flagship franchises in the nation's largest media market, the Jets represent the sport on one of its biggest global stages.

The Jets enhance the fan experience through innovation and storytelling, including 1JD Entertainment, a digital content platform that connects fans across social and digital channels. The organization is also committed to community impact, supporting youth football, girls' and women's flag football, and programs serving disadvantaged communities throughout the tri-state area.

The Jets play at MetLife Stadium - one of the world's most successful multi use venues - and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.

SOURCE New York Jets