Charlotte, NC (April 9, 2026) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has announced the official bracket and seeding for the 2026 CIAA Flag Football Championship, set to take place 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 round ups that determined championship seeding.

The 2026 championship field is led by defending champion Winston-Salem State University, which enters as the No. 1 seed after posting a 5-1 record in round up play. The Rams return looking to defend their title after defeating Fayetteville State University in last year's championship game.

Championship Seeding (Based on Conference Round Ups):

1. Winston-Salem State University (5-1)

2. Fayetteville State University (5-1)

3. Virginia Union University (4-2)

4. Claflin University (3-3)

5. Livingstone College (2-4)

6. Johnson C. Smith University (2-4)

7. Bowie State University (0-6)

The championship begins Friday with quarterfinal matchups, while the top seeded Rams receive a first round bye. The official bracket can be found here: 2026 Flag Football Championship Bracket.

Quarterfinals - April 10, 2026

• Game 1 - No. 4 Claflin vs. No. 5 Livingstone | 10:00 a.m.

• Game 2 - No. 3 Virginia Union vs. No. 6 Johnson C. Smith | 11:00 a.m.

• Game 3 - No. 2 Fayetteville State vs. No. 7 Bowie State | 12:00 p.m.

Semifinals - April 10, 2026

• Semifinal 1 | No. 1 Winston-Salem State vs. Winner of Game 1 | 2:00 p.m.

• Semifinal 2 | Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 | 4:00 p.m.

Championship - April 11, 2026

• Championship | Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 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 country.

"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 time, we've seen this sport create meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes to compete, lead, and be part of something that is continuing to break new ground. The level of competition this season has been exceptional, and we are proud to bring this championship to Charlotte in partnership with Johnson C. Smith University as we celebrate the future of the game and the young women driving it forward."

All games will be streamed live on the CIAA Sports Network, providing fans the opportunity to follow the championship action from anywhere.