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Women's Football Alliance
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|
| Current season, competition or edition: | |
| Sport | Women's gridiron football |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| First season | 2009 |
| No. of teams | 60 active |
| Country | United States |
| Most recent champions | Pro – St. Louis Slam Div. 2 – Salt Lake Wildcats Div. 3 – Richmond Black Widows Flag – Pittsburgh Passion |
| Most titles | Boston (7 titles) |
| Official website | wfaprofootball |
The Women's Football Alliance (WFA) is a semi-pro full-contact women's American football league in the United States. Founded in 2009, it is the largest 11-on-11 football league for women in the world, and the longest running active women's football league in the U.S. Since 2016, the league has operated with three competitive levels: Pro, Division 2 and Division 3. The league is owned and operated by Jeff King and Lisa Gibbons King of Exeter, California. Lisa King is also a wide receiver for the WFA's Cali War.[1]
In addition to operating annual national championship seasons in the United States, the league also operates the WFA International program which organizes international competitions for its own Team United and Team World against each other and all-star teams from other nations. The program also supports international player exchanges and provides logistical support to women's tackle football leagues in Central and South America, Europe, and Africa.[2]
League history
[edit]The Women's Football Alliance was established in 2009 and began its inaugural season with 36 teams. Many of the teams were already established teams from other leagues such as Women's Professional Football League, Independent Women's Football League and National Women's Football Association, while others began their inaugural season of play in the WFA.
2009
[edit]The first season of play ended with a championship game, which was played in the rebuilding (post-Katrina) city of New Orleans, Louisiana and was hosted by the New Orleans Blaze. The game was between the St. Louis Slam (American Conference – St. Louis, MO) and the West Michigan Mayhem (National Conference – Kalamazoo, MI). St. Louis became the first WFA National Champions with a final game score of 21–14.[citation needed] Additionally, there was an International Game played between the Aguilas Regias of Monterrey, Mexico and the hosting team, New Orleans Blaze. The Blaze won this game 12–0.[3]: 123
2010
[edit]The WFA grew in the second year (2010) to have over 40 teams competing for the national championship. The national championship for the 2010 season was accompanied by the first All-American game. The term All-American is used by the WFA to represent the best players at all positions from all WFA teams. The teams were chosen partly based on statistics and partly based on the vote of head coaches. The All-American game was played just before the championship game in Las Vegas, Nevada and was hosted by the Las Vegas Showgirlz. The All-American game was won by the American Conference. The second championship in the WFA would again come down to the last few plays and have a score differential of only four points. The Lone Star Mustangs (American Conference – Dallas/Fort Worth) defeated the Columbus Comets (National Conference – Columbus, Ohio) to become the second National Champions of the WFA by a score of 16–12.
2011
[edit]As the Women's Football Alliance prepared for the 2011 season, they were scheduled to have over 60 teams playing across the United States. They again grew due in part to new teams starting and in part due to established teams moving in from other leagues, most notably the New York Sharks,[4] D.C. Divas,[5] Chicago Force,[6] Dallas Diamonds, and Kansas City Tribe.[7] In the 2011 WFA championship, which was held in Bedford, Texas, the Boston Militia defeated the San Diego Surge 34–19 to claim the title.
2012
[edit]The WFA opened the season with 60 teams. The 2012 WFA National Championship game took place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home stadium of the NFL franchise Pittsburgh Steelers; it was the first women's football championship game to be played in an NFL stadium.[8] After losing the title game in the previous season, the San Diego Surge returned to win the 2012 championship 40–36 over the Chicago Force.
2013
[edit]The WFA opened the season with 50 teams. Running back Whitney Zelee (Boston Militia) made headlines in 2013 by becoming the league's first player to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a football season, setting a league record of 2,128 yards.[9] After losing the title game in the previous season, the Chicago Force returned to win the 2013 championship over the Dallas Diamonds 81–34 at Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California.
2014
[edit]The WFA opened the season with 42 teams. The preseason was capped by the inaugural WFA International Bowl, in which the Mexican All-Stars defeated the Austin Outlaws in exhibition. The Boston Militia became the league's first two-time champion in 2014, winning 69–34 in a title rematch with the San Diego Surge at Lane Tech Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. During championship weekend, the league introduced a new mid-major bowl game: the Alliance Bowl. The Seattle Majestics of the American Conference faced the Indy Crash of the National Conference in a contest to "showcase of the depth of quality teams that exist in the Women's Football Alliance."[10] The Indy Crash prevailed 26–12. This season was also notable for the introduction of Kenneth Massey Ratings into the league's playoffs system.
2015
[edit]The WFA opened the season with 40 teams, the fewest since the league was first established in 2009. The preseason concluded with the second WFA International Bowl Game Series, in which the Mexican All-Stars went 1–1, defeating the Tacoma Trauma before falling to the Seattle Majestics. On August 8, 2015, the D.C. Divas defeated the Dallas Elite 30–26 in the WFA National Championship game at Los Angeles (Calif.) Southwest College Stadium. The Central Cal War Angels beat the Atlanta Phoenix 28–8 in the Alliance Bowl, an invitational bowl game also held during championship weekend.
2016
[edit]WFA executives launched a new, tiered league structure consisting of three divisions, similar to that of NCAA Football. The league opened the season with 43 teams (11 in Division 1, 16 in Division 2, and 16 in Division 3). The WFA also announced the W Bowl as their new brand for the WFA National Championship game. With a 28–26 victory over the Dallas Elite, the D.C. Divas won the inaugural W Bowl and their second national championship in as many years. The St. Louis Slam downed the Tampa Bay Inferno 38–7 to claim the Division 2 championship. The Acadiana Zydeco defeated the Richmond Black Widows 20–18 in the Division 3 title game. All three games were played at Joe P. Michaela Stadium in Imperial, Pa.
Allison Cahill of the Boston Renegades reached a new milestone in sports by becoming the first quarterback to attain 100 victories playing exclusively in women's football leagues.[11]
2017
[edit]The league expanded to 65 teams (15 in Division 1, 19 in Division 2, and 31 in Division 3). On July 22, the Dallas Elite claimed the Division 1 National Championship, dubbed W Bowl II, with a 31–21 outcome against the Boston Renegades at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The St. Louis Slam repeated as Division 2 champions after a rematch in the title game against Tampa Bay finished 42–15. The Arkansas Wildcats beat the Orlando Anarchy 42–26 to claim the Division 3 trophy.
2018
[edit]The league opened the season with 67 teams (9 in Division 1, 16 in Division 2, and 39 in Division 3). On July 28, the Boston Renegades won the Division 1 National Championship game 42–18 over the Los Angeles Warriors at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. The game was broadcast on ESPN3. The New York Sharks claimed the Division 2 title with a 27–21 victory over the Minnesota Vixen. In a rematch of the 2017 Division 3 championship game, the Orlando Anarchy defeated the Arkansas Wildcats 46–0.
2019
[edit]The league opened with 62 teams (6 in Division 1, 18 in Division 2, and 38 in Division 3). The Boston Renegades repeated as league champions, matching the feat first accomplished by the D.C. Divas (2015, 2016). On July 13, Boston beat the Cali War 52–24 at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. The game was broadcast on ESPN3. The St. Louis Slam won their third Division 2 title in four years by downing the Detroit Dark Angels 34–0. The Orlando Anarchy made their third consecutive trip to the Division 3 championship game but fell to the Nevada Storm 62–45.
2020
[edit]The 2020 season of the Women's Football Alliance was cancelled in its entirety due to health and safety concerns in regards to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.[12] Although regular season games were scheduled, none were played.
The WFA signed deals with Eleven Sports/FTF Next Sports Network to broadcast ten 'WFA Game of the Week' events[13] and eight games from the 2019 season[14] on its cable network, streaming channels and website. They also established partnerships with Secret, Xenith, Wilson, Glazier Clinics, and Florida State University Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching.
The WFA established the Women's Football Coaching Alliance (WFCA), and the 'WFA Gives Campaign'. The league also witnessed the release of two feature films focused on its players, "Born To Play," directed by Viridiana Lieberman, and "Open Field," directed by Kathy Kuras. "Born To Play" aired nationally on ESPN and internationally on ABC to widespread critical acclaim.[15]
2021
[edit]In February, the WFA announced a five-year agreement with the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company for the league's championship games to be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. The league resumed play after a 2020 season lost to global pandemic. Scheduling challenges and safety concerns necessitated a delayed start (May instead of April) and a shortened season (6 regular season games instead of 8). The 2021 season opened with 49 teams (7 in Division 1, 12 in Division 2, and 30 in Division 3). On July 24, the Boston Renegades collected their third consecutive league title with a 42–26 victory over the Minnesota Vixen. The Nevada Storm defeated the Detroit Dark Angels 42–18 to win the Division 2 title. The Derby City Dynamite claimed the Division 3 crown with a 30–20 victory over the Arizona Outkast. All three championship games and the 2021 All-American game were broadcast on Next Level Sports television channel and FTF Next streaming channel.
2022
[edit]Heading into the 2022 season, the WFA rebranded Division 1 as the Pro Division and labeled the level as "WFA Pro." The league started the season with 59 teams: 11 in the Pro Division, 12 in Division 2, and 27 in Division 3. The league also added a developmental level that launched with nine teams.
The league's championship games again took place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. On July 10, the Boston Renegades collected their fourth consecutive league title with a 32–12 victory over the Minnesota Vixen.[16] On July 9, the Mile High Blaze defeated the Derby City Dynamite 21–20 to win the Division 2 title,[17] and the Oklahoma City Lady Force claimed the Division 3 crown with a 25–0 victory over the Capital City Savages.[18] The National Conference won the All-American Game 14–12.
For the first time, the WFA Pro National Championship Game was broadcast on ESPN2. AdeNation was the name sponsor for the championship game while Xenith sponsored the WFA All-American Game. The WFA also signed a multi-year licensing deal with Fathead [19] and brought back "The Road To Canton" television show for a second season.[20] The 2023 season began April 22 with 14 teams.[21]
2023
[edit]Following the success of the 2022 WFA Pro Championship Game broadcast, WFA reached a deal to air the 2023 Pro Championship on ESPN2.[22] The WFA began the 2023 season with 60 teams: 14 in the Pro Division, 16 in Division 2, 24 in Division 3, and 6 in the Developmental Division.
The regular season ran from April 22 to June 10, with the championship games played on July 22. The Boston Renegades defeated the St. Louis Slam in the WFA Pro National Championship Game 35-7 to win their fifth consecutive championship and seventh overall. In the Division 2 Championship, the New York Wolves defeated the Oklahoma City Lady Force 21-0 for their first championship, and the Division 3 Championship saw the West Palm Beach Coyotes handily beat the New Mexico Banitas 58-6.
The WFA Pro National Championship Game garnered 174,000 live viewers,[23] leading to the WFA securing a primetime slot for the 2024 championship on ESPN2.[24]
On July 7, the WFA announced the National Championship Trophies would be renamed in honor of the late Franco Harris, a co-owner of the Pittsburgh Passion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, citing his contributions to the league and women's football.[25]
2024
[edit]The 2024 WFA season saw an overall decrease in the number of teams, with 54 total: 14 in WFA Pro, 15 in Division 2, and 29 in Division 3. The regular season ran from April 27 to June 15, with most teams play 6 games over 8 weeks.
In the WFA Pro National Championship Game, the St. Louis Slam defeated the Boston Renegades, 30-27, ending the latter's streak of five straight championships. The Nebraska Pride won the Division 2 championship over the West Palm Beach Coyotes, 32-6, while the Cincinnati Cougars took the Division 3 title over the New Mexico Banitas, 48-26.
Teams
[edit]WFA Pro
[edit]| Team | Location | Founded | Joined | Head coach | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Conference | ||||||
| Alabama Fire | Birmingham, Alabama | 2015 | 2023 | Cedric Lane | ||
| Boston Renegades | Boston, Massachusetts | 2015 | 2015 | John Johnson | ||
| Cali War | Los Angeles, California | 2018 | 2019 | Jeff King | ||
| D.C. Divas | Washington, D.C. | 2000 | 2011 | Allysea Marfull | ||
| New York Wolves | New York, New York | 2018 | 2019 | Fabian Alesandro | ||
| Pittsburgh Passion | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 2002 | 2016 | Teresa Conn | ||
| Tampa Bay Inferno | Tampa, Florida | 2009 | 2010 | Arlo Henderson | ||
| American Conference | ||||||
| Arlington Impact | Arlington, Texas | 2011 | 2023 | Jimmie Hughes | ||
| Dallas Elite Mustangs | Dallas, Texas | 2014 | 2015 | Kristian Scott | ||
| Houston Energy | Houston, Texas | 2000 | 2019 | Brian Wiggins | ||
| Mile High Blaze | Denver, Colorado | 2013 | 2015 | Rob Sandlin | ||
| Minnesota Vixen | St. Paul, Minnesota | 1999 | 2017 | Connor Jo Lewis | ||
| Nevada Storm | Reno, Nevada | 2011 | 2019 | Chris Garza | ||
| St. Louis Slam | St. Louis, Missouri | 2003 | 2009 | Quincy Davis | ||
Division 2
[edit]| Team | Location | Founded | Joined | Head coach | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Conference | ||||||
| Atlanta Rage | Atlanta, Georgia | 2022 | 2023 | Blair Clark | ||
| Baltimore Nighthawks | Baltimore, Maryland | 2007 | 2017 | Mike Lynn | ||
| Capital City Savages | Lansing, Michigan | 2017 | 2019 | Andre Broach | ||
| Carolina Phoenix | Greensboro, North Carolina | 2006 | 2017 | Maria V. Ormond | ||
| Columbus Chaos | Columbus, Ohio | 2021 | 2022 | Mike Kandler | ||
| Derby City Dynamite | Louisville, Kentucky | 2011 | 2012 | Tracy Logan | ||
| Detroit Venom | Detroit, Michigan | 2011 | 2012 | Andre Harlon | ||
| Grand Rapids Tidal Waves | Grand Rapids, Michigan | 2017 | 2018 | Stacey Davis | ||
| Jacksonville Dixie Blues | Jacksonville, Florida | 2001 | 2009 | Michelle Robinson | ||
| Miami Fury | Miami, Florida | 2000 | 2011 | Raul Camaliche | ||
| Tri-State Warriors | New Brunswick, New Jersey | 2021 | 2022 | Rich Harrigan | ||
| West Palm Beach Coyotes | West Palm Beach, Florida | 2019 | 2023 | Paul Gonsalves | ||
| American Conference | ||||||
| Austin Outlaws | Austin, Texas | 2001 | 2009 | Jason Barlow | ||
| Nebraska Pride | Omaha, Nebraska | 2023 | 2023 | Nancy Javaux-Major | ||
| Oklahoma City Lady Force | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 2014 | 2021 | Leonard Bulock | ||
| Portland Fighting Shockwave | Portland, Oregon | 2002 | 2013 | TBD | ||
| Sun City Stealth | El Paso, Texas | 2019 | 2021 | Marcus Riley | ||
| Vegas NVaders | Las Vegas, Nevada | 2023 | 2024 | Erik Garcia | ||
Division 3
[edit]| Region | Team | Location | Founded | Joined | Head coach | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Conference | ||||||
| Northeast Region | Connecticut Nightmare | Windsor, Connecticut | 2009 | 2017 | Bruce Haney | |
| Harrisburg Havoc | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | 2021 | 2022 | Jeff Thomas | ||
| Maine Mayhem | Portland, Maine | 2015 | 2017 | Bryant Oja | ||
| New Hampshire Rebellion | Manchester, New Hampshire | 2021 | 2022 | Arasi Chau | ||
| New York Knockout | Troy, New York | 2012 | 2017 | Lou Butts | ||
| Upstate Lady Predators | Rochester, New York | 2023 | 2024 | Jessica Coluzzi | ||
| Southeast Region | Cincinnati Cougars | Cincinnati, Ohio | 2022 | 2023 | Izaah Burks Sr. | |
| East Tennessee Valkyrie | Elizabethton, Tennessee | 2021 | 2022 | Shannon Simpson | ||
| Music City Mizfits | Nashville, Tennessee | 2016 | 2017 | Donald Ragsdale | ||
| Orlando Anarchy | Orlando, Florida | 2009 | 2010 | Sherman Harlow | ||
| Raleigh Express | Raleigh, North Carolina | 2022 | 2023 | Brent Fisher | ||
| Richmond Black Widows | Richmond, Virginia | 2015 | 2016 | Steve Baxter | ||
| Virginia Panthers | Williamsburg, Virginia | 2022 | 2023 | James Lancaster | ||
| American Conference | ||||||
| Midwest Region | Cedar Raptors | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | 2023 | 2024 | Quinton Ray | |
| Iowa Phoenix | Des Moines, Iowa | 2018 | 2019 | Ricky Jimenez-Dragoni | ||
| Midwest Mountain Lions | Waukegan, Illinois | 2019 | 2022 | Jahamal Hardy | ||
| Minnesota Minx | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 2021 | 2022 | Grand Palmer | ||
| Oklahoma Rage | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 2022 | 2023 | Tarrion Adams | ||
| Sioux Falls Snow Leopards | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | 2021 | 2021 | Riley Key | ||
| Zydeco Spice | Lafayette, Louisiana | 2009 | 2010 | Josh Edison | ||
| Pacific Region | Arizona Outkast | Phoenix, Arizona | 2011 | 2019 | TBD | |
| Capital Pioneers | Salem, Oregon | 2019 | 2021 | TBD | ||
| Central Valley Chaos | Bakersfield, California | 2021 | 2023 | Andrew Blanton | ||
| New Mexico Banitas | Las Cruces, New Mexico | 2022 | 2023 | Brian Bartlett | ||
| Oregon Cougars | Eugene, Oregon | 2021 | 2022 | Chuck Hoffman | ||
| Rocky Mountain Thunderkatz | Colorado Springs, Colorado | 2012 | 2017 | Demareo Pruitt | ||
| Wasatch Warriors | Salt Lake City, Utah | 2019 | 2023 | Abel Tenorio | ||
Developmental
[edit]| Team | Location | Founded | Joined | Head coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Legacy | Fort Myers, Florida | 2023 | 2024 | Madison Schmatz |
WFA Pro Championship Game results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | St. Louis Slam | West Michigan Mayhem | 21–14 | |
| 2010 | Lone Star Mustangs | Columbus Comets | 16–12 | |
| 2011 | Boston Militia | San Diego Surge | 34–19 | |
| 2012 | San Diego Surge | Chicago Force | 40–36 | |
| 2013 | Chicago Force | Dallas Diamonds | 81–34 | |
| 2014 | Boston Militia | San Diego Surge | 69–34 | |
| 2015 | D.C. Divas | Dallas Elite | 30–26 | |
| 2016 | D.C. Divas | Dallas Elite | 28–26 | |
| 2017 | Dallas Elite | Boston Renegades | 31–21 | |
| 2018 | Boston Renegades | Los Angeles Warriors | 42–18 | |
| 2019 | Boston Renegades | Cali War | 52–24 | |
| 2020 | Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |||
| 2021 | Boston Renegades | Minnesota Vixen | 42–26 | |
| 2022 | Boston Renegades | Minnesota Vixen | 32–12 | |
| 2023 | Boston Renegades | St. Louis Slam | 35–7 | |
| 2024 | St. Louis Slam | Boston Renegades | 30–27 | |
| 2025 | St. Louis Slam | D.C. Divas | 26–14 | |
WFA Division II Championship Game results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | St. Louis Slam | Tampa Bay Inferno | 38–7 | |
| 2017 | St. Louis Slam | Tampa Bay Inferno | 42–15 | |
| 2018 | New York Sharks | Minnesota Vixen | 27–21 | |
| 2019 | St. Louis Slam | Detroit Dark Angels | 34–0 | |
| 2020 | Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |||
| 2021 | Nevada Storm | Detroit Dark Angels | 42–18 | |
| 2022 | Mile High Blaze | Derby City Dynamite | 21–20 | |
| 2023 | New York Wolves | Oklahoma City Lady Force | 21–0 | |
| 2024 | Nebraska Pride | West Palm Beach Coyotes | 32–6 | |
| 2025 | Salt Lake Wildcats | Baltimore Nighthawks | 19–0 | |
WFA Division III Championship Game results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Acadiana Zydeco | Richmond Black Widows | 20–18 | |
| 2017 | Arkansas Wildcats | Orlando Anarchy | 42–26 | |
| 2018 | Orlando Anarchy | Arkansas Wildcats | 46–0 | |
| 2019 | Nevada Storm | Orlando Anarchy | 62–45 | |
| 2020 | Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |||
| 2021 | Derby City Dynamite | Arizona Outkast | 30–20 | |
| 2022 | Oklahoma City Lady Force | Capital City Savages | 25–0 | |
| 2023 | West Palm Beach Coyotes | New Mexico Banitas | 58–6 | |
| 2024 | Cincinnati Cougars | New Mexico Banitas | 48–26 | |
| 2025 | Richmond Black Widows | Oklahoma Rage | 25–7 | |
WFA Flag Championship Game results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Pittsburgh Passion | Cali War | 26–14 |
Alliance Bowl results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Indy Crash | Seattle Majestics | 26–12 |
| 2015 | Central Cal War Angels | Atlanta Phoenix | 28–8 |
Alliance Bowl Midwest Region results
[edit]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Houston Power | Acadiana Zydeco | 9–6 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "WOMEN'S FOOTBALL ALLIANCE (WFA)". dcdivas.com. FinTel Communications. 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "WFA International". wfaprofootball.com. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
- ^ Crawford, Russ (November 2022). Women's American Football: Breaking Barriers On and Off the Gridiron. U of Nebraska Press. ISBN 978-1-4962-3333-2. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- ^ Exit, Merle (2011-01-07). "New York Sharks Women Tackle the Football World". Alternet. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
- ^ "Bipartisan tax relief measures proposed in Maryland". Gazette.net. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
- ^ "Chicago Force begin try outs, ladies are you ready to play some football? – Call Of The Wild". Chicagonow.com. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
- ^ "Women's Football champions the Kansas City Tribe suing to leave their league – Kansas City News – Plog". Archived from the original on 2010-08-29. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
- ^ "Heinz Field To Host SilverSport Women's Football Alliance National Championship". Pittsburgh Steelers. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ Staffieri, Mark (June 18, 2013). "Whitney Zelee Emerging as the Finest Running Back in All of Women's Football". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "2014 WFA National Championship Weekend" (Press Release). wfafootball.net. Women's Football Alliance. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ^ "Cahill Notches 100th Career Victory" (Press Release). bostonrenegadesfootball.com. Boston Renegades Women's Football. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
- ^ "WFA ends pursuit of 2020 championship season". wfaprofootball.com. 2 May 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "WFA signs television network deal". wfaprofootball.com. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "2019 Championship on National Television". wfaprofootball.com. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "'Born To Play' Garners National Media Attention and Widespread Critical Acclaim". bostonrenegadesfootball.com. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ Kujawa, Taylor (July 11, 2022). "WFA: Boston Renegades claim 2022 championship title". Her Football Hub. Archived from the original on July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ Newman, Kyle (July 11, 2022). "Kimberly Santistevan's three TD passes lead Mile High Blaze to women's tackle football national title". The Denver Post. Digital First Media. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ Crawford, Russ (July 20, 2022). "Boston Renegades capture 4th straight Women's Football Alliance Pro Division title, Blaze, Lady Force also winners". American Football International. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ "WFA SIGNS MULTI-YEAR LICENSING DEAL WITH FATHEAD". 23 June 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "WFA FOOTBALL SHOW 'ROAD TO CANTON' ADDS MORE TALENT". 17 February 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "Women Tackle Football with a Full-Contact League of Their Own". Bloomberg. 14 April 2023.
- ^ "WFA Signs 2023 Network Deal with ESPN". 28 November 2022.
- ^ "WFA Celebrates Unprecedented Television Viewership Numbers for 2023 National Championship on ESPN2". 30 July 2023.
- ^ "WFA Pro National Championship Secures Prime Time Slot on ESPN2". January 2024.
- ^ "WFA National Championship Trophies Named in Honor of NFL Legend Franco Harris". 7 July 2023.
External links
[edit]- Official website

Media related to Women's Football Alliance at Wikimedia Commons
Women's Football Alliance
View on GrokipediaOverview
Founding and ownership
The Women's Football Alliance (WFA) was formed in 2009 by Lisa King and her husband Jeff King, emerging from the reorganization of teams previously affiliated with the National Women's Football Association (NWFA), which had faced operational challenges leading to its effective dissolution.[7][8] Lisa King, a former semi-professional soccer player and wide receiver for the WFA's Cali War team, drew from her athletic background to establish a new league focused on full-contact women's tackle football, while Jeff King, a former semi-pro football player inducted into the Minor Professional Football Hall of Fame, brought organizational expertise to the venture.[9][7] The league launched its inaugural season in 2009 with 36 teams, many of which were established programs transitioning from prior leagues, emphasizing broad accessibility for female athletes by minimizing financial barriers to participation.[10] The WFA's business model was designed to support this inclusivity, operating as a privately held entity owned by the Kings and prioritizing revenue reinvestment into teams through corporate sponsorships and partnerships rather than high franchise fees.[11][1] This approach allowed the league to open opportunities nationwide without requiring significant upfront costs from players or teams, fostering growth from the outset.[1] The WFA demonstrated its commitment to national competition immediately by hosting its first championship game in New Orleans, Louisiana, that same year, where the St. Louis Slam defeated the West Michigan Mayhem to claim the title.[12] This event, held at Pan American Stadium, marked a pivotal moment in establishing the league's professional structure and visibility.[10]Mission and league principles
The Women's Football Alliance (WFA) has a mission to serve as a sustainable foundation and governing body for women's professional tackle football, enabling the sport to thrive by providing teams and players with essential resources, competitive opportunities, and pathways for growth both domestically and internationally.[13] This includes promoting women's tackle football through full-contact 11-on-11 competitive play, eliminating barriers such as pay-to-play models, and fostering global outreach via youth programs, international player exchanges, and support for emerging leagues in regions like Central and South America and Europe.[1] The league emphasizes equity in women's sports by reinvesting revenue from corporate sponsorships into team operations and player development, thereby maximizing national exposure while minimizing financial burdens on participants.[1] At its core, the WFA operates on principles of high-level competition and accessibility, utilizing a full-contact 11-on-11 format that follows NCAA rules with targeted modifications to enhance player safety, such as adjusted targeting fouls and equipment standards.[14] These guidelines prioritize fair play and physical integrity, allowing teams to focus on skill-building and strategic execution without excessive travel costs, as divisions are structured regionally to reduce logistical challenges.[1] The league's commitment to exposure is evident in its broadcast partnerships, which broadcast key events like the National Championship on platforms including ESPN and Women's Sports Network, amplifying the visibility of women's tackle football.[1] To support players, the WFA offers comprehensive recognition and resources, including All-American selections, MVP awards with jerseys displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, championship rings, and funding for playoff travel and uniforms.[1] Inclusivity is a foundational principle, with the league open to athletes of all skill levels regardless of financial background, encouraging broad participation through tiered divisions that accommodate varying competitive tiers.[1] Additionally, the WFA facilitates professional pathways, with over 30 veteran players transitioning to roles in NFL coaching, scouting, and operations, underscoring its role in advancing women in football.[1]History
Inception and early seasons (2009–2015)
The Women's Football Alliance (WFA) launched in 2009 as the largest full-contact women's American football league in the United States, debuting with 36 teams divided into regional conferences to minimize travel expenses and promote sustainable local rivalries.[15][10] This structure addressed key logistical barriers in women's tackle football, allowing teams to focus on development without prohibitive costs. The inaugural season culminated in the first Alliance Bowl, won by the Boston Renegades, establishing a foundation for national competition while highlighting the league's commitment to competitive equity across regions.[1] From 2010 to 2012, the WFA experienced rapid expansion, growing to over 40 teams in 2010 and surpassing 50 by 2012, with the introduction of a structured national playoff system that qualified top performers from each conference for postseason contention.[15] A pivotal moment came in 2012 when the league hosted its championship at Heinz Field, the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers stadium—the first time a women's football title game was played in a professional NFL venue—where the San Diego Surge defeated the Chicago Force 40-36 before more than 2,000 spectators.[16][17] This event, broadcast on ESPN3, marked an early step in elevating the league's visibility and attracting broader media interest.[18] Between 2013 and 2015, the WFA stabilized and expanded further, reaching over 60 teams by 2015 through organic growth and the influx of established squads from rival leagues like the Independent Women's Football League, which helped consolidate the sport's fragmented landscape.[19] Early broadcasting efforts continued, with select games and playoffs streamed or aired on regional networks and online platforms, building toward larger deals.[20] The league also initiated player development programs, including training clinics and corporate-backed initiatives to nurture talent and provide resources for athletes regardless of financial background.[1] Throughout these formative years, the WFA grappled with financial challenges, as many teams depended on player fees averaging $700 per season and limited sponsorships to cover operations, often straining smaller franchises.[21] Player recruitment proved difficult in a male-dominated sport, with societal barriers and lack of visibility hindering outreach to potential athletes, though the league's growth demonstrated resilience and increasing interest among women seeking competitive outlets.[22][23]Expansion and tiered structure (2016–2020)
In 2016, the Women's Football Alliance introduced a three-tiered structure to better accommodate teams of varying skill levels, market sizes, and competitive readiness, thereby promoting greater parity and accessibility across the league. The top tier, known as the WFA Pro Division, featured 11 elite teams competing in a national league format. The second tier, WFA Division II, included 16 teams focused on mid-market regions, while the third tier, WFA Division III, comprised 16 regional teams aimed at smaller markets. This reorganization expanded the total number of teams to 43, allowing for more targeted competition and development pathways.[24] Between 2017 and 2018, the league experienced significant growth, reaching a peak of nearly 70 teams nationwide, reflecting increased interest and participation in women's tackle football. During this period, the WFA added a Developmental Division to support emerging teams and players, providing an entry-level competitive environment without the intensity of higher tiers; for example, the La Muerte de Las Cruces joined this division in 2017. A key milestone occurred in 2018 when Chante Bonds of the Boston Renegades was named WFA Pro MVP, and her jersey from that season later became the first from the league to be displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, highlighting the rising recognition of women's professional achievements. The league also began incorporating scouting initiatives, including advisory board members with NFL scouting experience, to identify and develop talent.[25][26][27][28] From 2019 to 2020, the WFA maintained its expanded footprint with around 60-70 teams across divisions, but the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted operations. The 2020 season was ultimately cancelled due to health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus, marking the first full suspension in league history. In response, the WFA explored alternative engagements, including potential virtual events and clinics to sustain player involvement and community connections during the shutdown. This period underscored the league's resilience amid external challenges, setting the stage for postwar recovery.[29][30][31]Recent developments and growth (2021–2025)
Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Women's Football Alliance resumed full seasons in 2021, featuring 49 teams across its divisions and implementing enhanced safety protocols such as mandatory testing and modified game formats to prioritize player health.[19] In 2022, the league expanded slightly to over 50 teams, signing a five-year agreement with Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, for hosting national championships, which supported a return to pre-pandemic operations with eight regular-season games per team.[19] This period also saw growth in affiliated youth and flag football programs, with the WFA partnering with organizations to introduce clinics and developmental leagues aimed at increasing participation among younger athletes. From 2023 to 2024, the WFA engaged in discussions about transitioning to a franchise model to attract investors and stabilize operations, while forging international partnerships to broaden its reach, including collaborations with leagues in Europe and Asia for player exchanges and joint events.[32][33] The St. Louis Slam captured the 2024 Pro Division national title, broadcast on ESPN2, marking their sixth national championship overall.[34] These years highlighted the league's tiered structure, which facilitated sustainable growth by allowing teams to advance based on performance.[1] The 2025 season commenced with more than 60 teams, reflecting continued expansion, and the schedule was released on February 9, underscoring a structured path to the playoffs.[35] On June 25, 2025, the league announced its All-American team, recognizing top performers across divisions ahead of the postseason to compete at Hall of Fame Stadium.[36] On June 5, 2025, the WFA revealed plans for expansion into Canada in 2026 through a partnership with Cosmos Sports & Entertainment, targeting markets like Saskatchewan and Ontario to introduce professional teams under the new franchise model.[37] National championships were held in Canton, Ohio, where the St. Louis Slam defended their title by defeating the D.C. Divas 26-14 in the Pro Division final on July 26, and the Richmond Black Widows secured the Division III title with a 25-7 victory over the Oklahoma Rage.[38][39] Broader impacts included surging viewership, with the 2025 Pro Division championship drawing over 200,000 viewers on ESPN2—outpacing several NWSL games—and cumulative national broadcasts reaching millions annually.[3] Additionally, a 2024 partnership with NFL Alumni provided retired WFA players access to benefits and community programs, enhancing player support and visibility.League Organization
Divisions and team tiers
The Women's Football Alliance employs a tiered classification system for its teams, structured across multiple divisions to foster competition at varying skill levels while promoting player development and geographic efficiency. This setup includes the Pro Division as the pinnacle of play, followed by Division II and Division III, allowing teams to advance based on merit.[1][32] The Pro Division constitutes the elite tier, comprising 14 teams in 2025 and upholding full professional standards, including rigorous training, national visibility, and the highest competitive intensity among WFA franchises.[40] This level attracts top talent and serves as the primary showcase for the league's premier athletes. Division II functions as an intermediate tier with 15–16 teams, prioritizing athlete development through balanced competition and regional matchups that build experience without the full demands of professional play.[40] Division III operates at the entry level, featuring 24–29 teams dedicated to onboarding new franchises and emphasizing foundational skill-building for emerging players.[40] Promotion and relegation across tiers are governed by criteria such as win percentage and playoff outcomes, enabling upward mobility for high-performing squads.[41] Within each tier, teams are grouped into geographic conferences—such as the American and National—to reduce travel burdens and encourage localized rivalries.[42]Season format and playoffs
The regular season of the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) typically spans from late April to late June, allowing teams to compete in 8 to 10 games each, depending on divisional alignments and scheduling constraints.[43][41] Scheduling emphasizes conference-based matchups within the American and National Conferences to minimize travel while fostering regional rivalries and competitive balance across the Pro, Division II, and Division III tiers.[42] Postseason qualification grants the top 8 teams from each division entry into single-elimination playoffs, determined by regular-season win-loss records and tiebreakers such as head-to-head results and point differential.[44] The bracket structure features quarterfinals in late June, followed by conference semifinals in mid-July, culminating in national championship games for each division held over a weekend in late July at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.[42][45] In 2025, the WFA enhanced visibility with broadcasts of select conference games and the Pro national championship on ESPN2, alongside streaming options for other playoff contests on ESPN+.[46][47] Real-time scoring and updates were provided through the league's official website and integrated digital platforms during all games.[48] Additionally, updated promotion criteria incorporated expanded international eligibility, enabling players from partner leagues in countries like Australia to qualify for divisional advancement based on performance benchmarks.[33][41]Teams
Pro Division
The Pro Division of the Women's Football Alliance features the league's top professional teams, with 12 franchises competing in the 2025 season across the American and National Conferences. These teams play a regular season of six to eight games, with the top four from each conference advancing to single-elimination playoffs leading to the national championship. While earlier sources like Wikipedia list 14 teams including now-inactive franchises such as the Boston Renegades, the current structure reflects adjustments due to suspensions and realignments.[49][50] The division includes established powerhouses and competitive newcomers. In the American Conference, the undefeated St. Louis Slam (founded 2003, St. Louis, MO) dominated the 2025 season with a 6-0 record, securing their sixth national title overall in a 26-14 victory over the D.C. Divas. Other key teams include the Cali War (San Diego, CA), who finished 5-1 and reached the playoffs; the Nebraska Pride (Omaha, NE); the Minnesota Vixen (Minneapolis, MN); the Mile High Blaze (Denver, CO); the Nevada Storm (Reno, NV, founded 2010); the Houston Energy (Houston, TX); and the Dallas Elite Mustangs (Dallas, TX). The National Conference features the Pittsburgh Passion (founded 2002, Pittsburgh, PA), who posted a 5-1 record en route to the conference championship game; the D.C. Divas (founded 2000, Washington, D.C.), a three-time champion with a storied rivalry against the Passion; the Tampa Bay Inferno (Tampa, FL); and the Philadelphia Phantomz (Philadelphia, PA).[49][51][39][52][53][54] Pro Division teams operate with professional standards, employing experienced coaches from collegiate and professional football backgrounds to develop elite athletes. Sponsorships from national brands like Secret and local partners provide financial support for operations, equipment, and travel, while league-wide deals enable ESPN broadcasts for key games. These franchises also drive community impact through initiatives like youth football clinics, health awareness campaigns, and charitable partnerships; for instance, the St. Louis Slam focuses on empowering women and families via service and education programs. The Pro Division's success, including the 2025 championship drawing significant viewership on ESPN2, underscores its role in advancing women's professional tackle football.[1][55][3][56]Division II
Division II serves as an intermediate competitive tier in the Women's Football Alliance, bridging the developmental focus of Division III with the professional caliber of the Pro Division, emphasizing skill enhancement and regional rivalries among more established programs. In the 2025 season, the division comprised 15 teams, drawing from across the United States with a strong emphasis on balanced representation in the East, Midwest, and West.[57] Key teams included the Atlanta Rage (Georgia), Baltimore Nighthawks (Maryland), Cincinnati Cougars (Ohio), Columbus Chaos (Ohio), Derby City Dynamite (Kentucky), Grand Rapids Tidal Waves (Michigan), Indiana Valor (Indiana), Jacksonville Dixie Blues (Florida), Maine Mayhem (Maine), New Mexico Banitas (New Mexico), New York Knockouts (New York), Palm Beach Coyotes (Florida), Salt Lake Wildcats (Utah), Virginia Panthers (Virginia), and Austin Outlaws (Texas).[57][58][59] This level fosters mid-tier competition, where squads hone strategies and talent pipelines, often leading to upward mobility; for example, the Nebraska Pride advanced to the Pro Division following their 2024 Division II title win.[60][61] The division has seen particular expansion in the Midwest and West, with teams like the Indiana Valor and Salt Lake Wildcats exemplifying regional growth through increased fan engagement and player recruitment in underserved areas.[43][62] The Salt Lake Wildcats clinched the 2025 Division II National Championship with a decisive victory over the Baltimore Nighthawks.[58]Division III
Division III serves as the entry-level tier within the Women's Football Alliance, focusing on new and developmental squads that provide foundational competition for emerging players in women's tackle football. This division functions primarily as a talent pipeline, enabling athletes to hone skills and gain experience before potential advancement to higher tiers, while accommodating high team turnover through performance-based promotions.[1][63] In 2025, Division III comprised 24 to 29 teams, with an emphasis on squads from emerging markets such as the Richmond Black Widows and the Sioux Falls Snow Leopards. The Richmond Black Widows, based in Virginia, clinched the 2025 Division III National Championship with a victory over the Oklahoma Rage, showcasing defensive prowess and special teams contributions in a 25-7 win.[64][65] Other standout teams included the Thunderkatz, who led the division in scoring with 146 total points across the season, and the IO Phoenix, averaging 28 points per game.[66] The division's structure promotes rapid evolution, as top performers earn promotion to Division II, creating ongoing opportunities for fresh talent integration and league-wide growth. Additionally, Division III incorporates international trial teams to support the WFA's global outreach, allowing players from abroad to participate in competitive matches as part of talent scouting initiatives.[63][67] During the 2025 season, the East Conference delivered particularly strong performances, exemplified by the Richmond Black Widows' dominant playoff run to the national title.[44]Developmental and international teams
The Women's Football Alliance maintains a developmental framework focused on nurturing emerging talent through non-competitive structures, primarily in the United States. This includes the GameChangeHers youth program, which empowers young female athletes by connecting them with WFA teams for hands-on training, mentorship from professional players, and skill-building clinics nationwide.[68] The program emphasizes fostering confidence and passion in a male-dominated sport, without involving regular season games, and features the WFA FUTURES Clinic—a national event for girls' flag and tackle football held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, providing elite instruction from WFA athletes and professionals.[68] Complementing these efforts, the WFA supports under-18 players through affiliated youth initiatives integrated into local team outreach, prioritizing long-term skill development over competition. Additionally, the league's partnership with Parity serves as its official development collaborator, enhancing opportunities for rookie athletes via sponsorship amplification, visibility, and professional growth resources tailored to emerging players.[69] On the international front, the WFA extends its reach via the WFA International division, which promotes global growth of women's tackle football through scouting programs, training camps, player exchanges, and sister-team affiliations across multiple continents.[67] These initiatives have hosted 17 events in 7 countries spanning 3 continents, including targeted scouting in Europe and Asia to identify and develop talent from partner leagues in those regions.[33][70] The league maintains affiliations with organizations in Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia, facilitating cross-border development without formal competitive integration into U.S. divisions.[70] A key milestone is the planned 2026 expansion into Canada, adopting a franchise model to establish professional teams and create a North American league structure, with active recruitment of ownership groups in major cities.[37][32] This builds on recent partnerships, such as with American Football Queensland in Australia, where four women's tackle teams currently compete under WFA guidelines, with plans to grow to six in the near future.[33][71]Championships
Pro Division results
The Pro Division of the Women's Football Alliance has crowned a national champion annually since 2009 through a playoff culminating in the WFA Pro Championship Game. This contest determines the league's top team among its elite tier, with games hosted at neutral sites. Starting in 2021, championships have been held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.[72]| Year | Winner | Loser | Score | Location | MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | St. Louis Slam | West Michigan Mayhem | 21–14 | New Orleans, LA | Not available |
| 2010 | Lone Star Mustangs | Columbus Comets | 16–13 | Louisville, KY | Not available |
| 2011 | Boston Militia | San Diego Surge | 72–14 | Indianapolis, IN | Not available |
| 2012 | San Diego Surge | Boston Militia | 42–14 | Uniontown, PA | Not available |
| 2013 | Dallas Diamonds | Boston Militia | 21–14 | Lakewood, NJ | Not available |
| 2014 | Boston Renegades | Philadelphia Phantomz | 28–0 | Gettysburg, PA | Not available |
| 2015 | D.C. Divas | Philadelphia Phantomz | 20–16 | Gettysburg, PA | Not available |
| 2016 | D.C. Divas | Dallas Elite | 28–26 | Pittsburgh, PA | Not available |
| 2017 | Dallas Elite | Boston Renegades | 31–21 | Pittsburgh, PA | Not available |
| 2018 | Boston Renegades | Los Angeles Warriors | 42–18 | Atlanta, GA | Chante Bonds (Boston Renegades)[73] |
| 2019 | Boston Renegades | Cali War | 52–24 | Golden, CO | Chante Bonds (Boston Renegades)[74] |
| 2021 | Boston Renegades | Minnesota Vixen | 42–26 | Canton, OH | Not available |
| 2022 | Boston Renegades | D.C. Divas | 20–0 | Canton, OH | Not available |
| 2023 | Boston Renegades | St. Louis Slam | 35–7 | Canton, OH | Not available |
| 2024 | St. Louis Slam | Boston Renegades | 30–27 | Canton, OH | Not available |
| 2025 | St. Louis Slam | D.C. Divas | 26–14 | Canton, OH | Not available |
Division II results
The Division II Championship serves as the culminating game for the mid-tier teams in the Women's Football Alliance, determining the annual national champion among Division II squads. Established in 2016 alongside the league's divisional structure, the championship highlights competitive balance and player development, with winners often earning opportunities for promotion to the elite Pro Division.| Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | St. Louis Slam | Tampa Bay Inferno | 38–7 |
| 2017 | St. Louis Slam | Tampa Bay Inferno | 42–15 |
| 2018 | New York Sharks | Minnesota Vixen | 27–21 |
| 2019 | St. Louis Slam | Detroit Dark Angels | 34–0 |
| 2020 | No season (canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic) | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | Nevada Storm | Detroit Dark Angels | 42–18 |
| 2022 | Mile High Blaze | Derby City Dynamite | 21–20 |
| 2023 | New York Wolves | Oklahoma City Lady Force | 21–0 |
| 2024 | Nebraska Pride | West Palm Beach Coyotes | 32–6 |
| 2025 | Salt Lake Wildcats | Baltimore Nighthawks | 19–0 |
Division III results
The Division III Championship, introduced with the league's tiering structure in 2016, has featured a diverse array of winners, reflecting the competitive depth at this entry-level tier of women's tackle football. Unlike higher divisions, Division III emphasizes development for emerging teams, often leading to unpredictable outcomes as new franchises challenge established programs. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in no championship that year.[31]| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Acadiana Zydeco | Richmond Black Widows | 20–18[77][78] |
| 2017 | Arkansas Wildcats | Orlando Anarchy | 42–26[79] |
| 2018 | Orlando Anarchy | Arkansas Wildcats | 46–0[80] |
| 2019 | Nevada Storm | Orlando Anarchy | 62–45[81] |
| 2020 | No season | N/A | N/A[31] |
| 2021 | Derby City Dynamite | Arizona OutKast | 30–20[82] |
| 2022 | Oklahoma City Lady Force | Capital City Savages | 25–0[83] |
| 2023 | West Palm Beach Coyotes | New Mexico Banitas | 58–6[84] |
| 2024 | Cincinnati Cougars | New Mexico Banitas | 48–26[85] |
| 2025 | Richmond Black Widows | Oklahoma Rage | 25–7[64] |
Flag and Alliance Bowl results
The Women's Football Alliance (WFA) Flag National Championship represents the league's premier non-contact competition, emphasizing speed, agility, and strategy in a flag football format. Inaugurated in 2025, it serves as the culminating event for participating teams after a season of tournaments and qualifiers.| Year | Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Pittsburgh Passion | Cali War | 26–14 [87] |
