Women’s tackle football has become more popular in recent months. The WNFC, or Women’s National Football Conference, is a fearless example of this development. Established by Odessa Jenkins in 2018, the league now consists of 17 full-contact American football teams that operate resolutely and remarkably across the country. Players still do not receive a formal salary, though, despite its structure and growing fan base. This creates tension in the quickly changing sports economy of today.
Athletes must pay for their own expenses, frequently buying equipment, paying for travel, and juggling demanding jobs, but the WNFC is remarkably successful at increasing visibility and has regularly packed stadiums and attracted media attention. These players have incredibly diverse personal lives; they are mothers, engineers, educators, and veterans. Even without the financial assistance that male athletes are typically provided, their enthusiasm for the game is unwavering.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| League Name | Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) |
| Founded | 2018 |
| First Season | 2019 |
| Number of Teams | 17 |
| Founder | Odessa Jenkins |
| President | Elizabeth Jenkins |
| Commissioner | Janice Masters |
| Current Champion | Mississippi Lady Panthers (2024) |
| Major Sponsors | Adidas, Riddell, Dick’s Sporting Goods, United Sports Brands |
| Official Website | https://www.wnfcfootball.com |
The league has developed strong branding power by utilizing strategic sponsorships with companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Adidas. However, rather than going toward salaries, those funds are noticeably diverted toward league operations and development projects. The reward for athletes is still intangible and is motivated more by exposure and pride than by financial gain.
The Mississippi Lady Panthers won the 2024 IX Cup in Frisco, Texas, in front of thousands of fans at the Ford Center, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Even though it was a professional victory, there was no monetary payment. Despite his fervent support for change, CEO Jenkins still prioritizes investment over compassion. She has a particularly creative long-term goal: building a viable pipeline from youth flag football to professional tackle careers, which will eventually bring women’s football from obscurity to prominence.
Flag football, which provides a much lower barrier to entry, has been prominently adopted by the league. Alongside its tackle finale in May, the WNFC held a flag championship and announced a partnership with Gridiron Football. This calculated action appeals to a growing group of girls between the ages of 6 and 12, whose participation in flags has increased by more than 200% since 2014. Families are particularly drawn to it because of its low cost and low physical risk. Notably, high school girls’ flag football programs have been authorized or piloted in over 25 states.
The flag serves as both a gateway and a safeguard in the context of the development of youth sports. But this momentum begs important questions about tackle football’s future. Many supporters are concerned that restricting women to the less physical form may unintentionally deny them opportunities in full-contact formats. If the necessary infrastructure was in place, tackle football could offer significant scholarship pathways, particularly for Black women, who are frequently underrepresented in collegiate athletics.
Odessa Jenkins wants to address this disparity. She envisions turning interest into revenue. The WNFC aims to establish training academies, increase digital content, and secure a spot on national television through strategic alliances. In contrast to flag football, tackle football offers a fiercely competitive and exhilarating spectacle, but its physicality makes maintenance costly. Making money off of that intensity while fostering grassroots passion is the league’s challenge.
Narratives like Sam Gordon’s brought attention to the WNFC’s developmental gap. At the age of nine, she was a football prodigy who went viral, outperforming boys and making an appearance in a Super Bowl commercial. She switched to soccer and played at Columbia University since tackle football didn’t offer her a defined career path. Her experience is remarkably similar to that of many others who, despite early promise, have few opportunities for advancement in contact sports.
Female athletes are finally taking center stage and changing the narrative in sports media. Women are attracting millions of viewers, as evidenced by Caitlin Clark’s historic NCAA run and Angel Reese’s WNBA influence. Equitable investment is still lacking. The WNFC is at a turning point in its history, where greater media attention must quickly result in pay or face stagnation.
The league can reposition itself as a movement rather than merely a league by incorporating storytelling and digital presence. Consider sponsorships with companies dedicated to gender equity, influencer partnerships to increase reach, and documentaries that highlight the athletes’ everyday lives. Consistent, emotionally charged content can influence cultural change and attract advertisers, as demonstrated by the success of other leagues.
The WNFC provides representation in addition to entertainment. A retired Army sergeant might line up next to a kindergarten teacher, both of them playing for the love of the game, creating a picture of contemporary resiliency. Building strong fan relationships is essential to the sustainability of early-stage sports movements. Teams that seem genuine, mission-driven, and focused on the community will win over spectators.
Institutions like the NFL have been under increasing pressure in recent days to devote funds to women’s football. The public’s perception is gradually changing. Women’s tackle football was once disregarded by brands, but they now consider it to be a component of the larger equity discussion. The argument is strengthened by the possibility of cross-promotions, especially given that girls’ flag football will make its Olympic debut in 2028.
Jenkins is incredibly clear when asked about pay: “This isn’t charity, it’s business.” Our athletes perform at a professional level. We require the infrastructure to provide them with financial support. Her remarks are relevant in a variety of fields where women continue to struggle for even the most basic recognition, let alone equal pay.
Although some teams provide small stipends or other benefits, the WNFC does not currently have a centralized salary system. The long-term goal is to move from participation motivated by passion to professional compensation. Stable ticket sales, league-wide merchandising, and much greater media attention will be necessary for that transition. Although it won’t happen right away, the change will occur with the correct narrative approach.
