Conference realignment

[Da Coach]

The Northern Illinois University membership in the Mountain West Conference is for football only.
This quote from the side.com story above says....
Per Brown, the rest of NIU's sports are also expected to leave the Mid-American Conference for a mid-major league such as the Summit, Ohio Valley and Horizon.

 

[Nashville Cat]

The Northern Illinois University membership in the Mountain West Conference is for football only.
This quote from the side.com story above says....
Per Brown, the rest of NIU's sports are also expected to leave the Mid-American Conference for a mid-major league such as the Summit, Ohio Valley and Horizon.

NIU basketball is Summit League material

 

[64NIT]

NIU basketball is Summit League material

I'm thinking the Northeast Conference, so NIU could duke it out with Chicago State for last place year after year.

 

[64NIT]

https://www.espn.com/college-sports...-illinois-join-mountain-west-football-only-26

 

[️ Fanatic]

Looks like NIU is heading to the Horizon league

 

[Da Coach]

Looks like NIU is heading to the Horizon league

Good for them. It is probably their best option for their non-football sports.

 

[64NIT]

Looks like NIU is heading to the Horizon league

Did you see this announced anywhere?

 

[Da Coach]

Did you see this announced anywhere?

Northern Illinois set to join the Horizon League in most sports — besides football — in 2026 - https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/02/24/northern-illinois-horizon-league/

 

[64NIT]

Northern Illinois set to join the Horizon League in most sports — besides football — in 2026 - https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/02/24/northern-illinois-horizon-league/

Also mentioned in the Horizon League's Wikipedia page:

On February 24, 2025, multiple media reports indicated that Northern Illinois was set to rejoin the Horizon League in 2026, coinciding with NIU football becoming an affiliate member of the Mountain West Conference. The NIU governing board is set to vote on Horizon membership on February 27.[SUP][15][16][/SUP]​

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_League
Also mentioned in Twitter/X (I guess I just needed to look around):
https://x.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1894092429453853049?s=61&t=-dkeBPlXXhC1qsyn5erw5A
Some responders to McMurphy's post are not too happy with NIU moving to the Horizon.

 

[64NIT]

It's official!! NIU moves to the Horizon League for most sports other than football. They hope to remain as associate members of the MAC for gymnastics and wrestling.

Press conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLliwDiPZ-4

 

[yoda]

The MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) is looking to “rebrand” and change their name. They are tired of being confused with the MAC (Mid-American Conference)

LINK