For many years, women have played tackle football, generally without much attention.
Two separate leagues are contributing to the sport’s increased visibility.
On July 26 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, where MVP jerseys from past championship games are on display, the Women’s Football Alliance will return to ESPN2 for its championship game.
On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, will host the Women’s National Football Conference championship game, which will be shown live on ESPN2 for the first time. In the championship game, the Texas Elite Spartans will play the Washington Prodigy. With 17 teams from 14 states and Washington, D.C., the league is in its sixth season.
Commissioner Lisa King claims that since the WFA’s founding in 2009, participation has grown by 300% from its first season. At its highest level, it features 12 teams from nine states and Washington, D.C., and a total of 55 teams over three divisions. In addition, the WFA has international teams in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.
The WNFC does not pay wages, just like the WFA.
Thanks in part to the backing of sponsors like Adidas, Dove, and Riddell, the WNFC has budgeted to pay weekly and season award winners, and it plans to offer a total of $20,000 to the players on the championship squad.
Wilson’s expenses are partially covered by WFA sponsors, ticket revenue, and licensing rights.
