Northern Illinois to join Horizon League in 2026

As football heads west, Northern Illinois to join Horizon League in 2026
Northern Illinois, a longtime member of the Mid-American Conference, is joining the Horizon League for most of its sports offerings starting with the 2026-27 academic year. That includes men's and women's basketball, which will increase the Horizon League's basketball pools to 12 schools.
Northern Illinois accepts invitation to Horizon League for basketball, most other sports
Northern Illinois accepted an invitation to join the Horizon League in basketball and most other sports except football on Thursday. The Huskies are set to become the league's 12th member and compete in 14 of its 19 sports starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
Northern Illinois' other sports join new league after football ditched the MAC
When Northern Illinois football left the Mid-American Conference for the Mountain West in January, many wondered what would happen to the rest of the school’s athletic programs. That question has been answered.
How Northern Illinois settled on joining the Horizon League for most sports
The NIU Board of Trustees on Thursday approved $1.4 million to pay the entrance fee to join the Horizon League, effective July 1, 2026. The move will officially end NIU’s run as a full member of
Northern Illinois to join Horizon League for non-football sports
Just over a month removed from announcing their intention to join the Mountain West in football, NIU find a new conference partner for the majority of its remainder sports.
14 Northern Illinois University sports programs joining the Horizon League
Warriors center Quinten Post dropped a sarcastic one-liner about teammate Steph Curry's 56-point performance in Golden State's win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Stephen Curry remains the best shooter of all time.
Northern Illinois to join Horizon League in 2026-2027
Starting in the 2026 academic year, Northern Illinois will be leaving the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to join the Horizon League in all sports except wrestling and gymnastics. They are also set to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member.
Horizon League to adopt Northern Illinois as new member
The Cleveland State men’s and women’s basketball programs will have new competition in the Horizon League next season. The Horizon League is making Northern Illinois University a new member of the conference,
Northern Illinois set to join the Horizon League in most sports — besides football — in 2026
The majority of the Northern Illinois athletics department is set to join the Horizon League in 2026, pending approval by the university’s board of trustees Thursday. NIU announced in January that its football team would move to the Mountain West Conference in 2026 after 18 straight seasons and 39 overall in the Mid-American Conference.
Northern Illinois accepts invitation to Horizon League for basketball
Northern Illinois accepted an invitation to join the Horizon League in basketball and most other sports except football on Thursday. The Huskies are set to become the league’s 12th member and compete in 14 of its 19 sports starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
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