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The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) has announced the official bracket and seeding for the 2026 CIAA Flag Football Championshipto be held April 10–11 at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosted by Johnson C. Smith University. Seven member institutions will compete for the conference title following two competitive conference playoffs that determined championship seeding.
The 2026 championship field is headlined by the defending champion Winston-Salem State Universitywhat if the no. 1-ranked entry after posting a 5–1 record in playoff play. The Rams return in search of their title after defeat Fayetteville State University in last year’s championship game.
Championship seeding (based on conference finish):
- Winston-Salem State University (5–1)
- Fayetteville State University (5–1)
- Virginia Union University (4–2)
- Claflin University (3–3)
- Livingstone College (2–4)
- Johnson C. Smith University (2–4)
- Bowie State University (0–6)
The championship begins Friday with quarterfinals, as the top-seeded Rams receive a first-round bye. The official bracket can be found here: 2026 Flag Football Championship Bracket.
Quarter-finals – 10 April 2026
- Match 1 – No. 4 Claflin vs. No. 5 Livingstone | 10:00 am
- Match 2 – no. 3 Virginia Union vs. no. 6 Johnson C. Smith | 11:00 am
- Match 3 – No. 2 Fayetteville State vs. No. 7 Bowie State | 12:00 p.m
Semi-finals – 10 April 2026
- Semi-final 1 | No. 1 Winston-Salem State vs. Winner of Game 1 | 14:00
- Semi Final 2 | Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 | 16:00
Championship – 11 April 2026
- Championship | Winner of semi-final 1 vs. Winner of semi-final 2 | 12:00 p.m
All games will be held at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The CIAA Flag Football Championship continues to showcase the growth of women’s flag football across the conference, highlighting student-athletes competing at a high level while expanding opportunities in one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.
“This championship is a reflection of the intentional investment and rapid growth of women’s flag football across the CIAA,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “In just a short amount of time, we’ve seen this sport create meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes to compete, lead and be a part of something that continues to break new ground. The level of competition this season has been exceptional, and we’re proud to bring this championship in partnership with Johnson C. Smith University to Charlotte as we celebrate the future of the game and the young women who drive it forward.”
All matches will be live on the CIAA Sports Networkgiving fans the opportunity to follow the championship action from anywhere.
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