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' 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.
Northern Illinois to Join Horizon League
The Horizon League has welcomed its 12th full member, Northern Illinois University. The conference officially announced NIU’s addition Thursday afternoon during an introductory press conference at the university.
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 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.
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 move non-football programs to Horizon League in 2026
Northern Illinois will move its basketball and other non-football programs to the Horizon League in 2026, the Board of Trustees approved in a vote Thursday. The move is the result of NIU recently announcing it will join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member in 2026.
Why NIU sees joining the Horizon League — and splitting up its sports — as ‘the right fit and the right time’
In front of a backdrop sporting the Northern Illinois and Horizon League logos Thursday at the NIU Convocation Center, Huskies athletic director Sean Frazier declared a second victory in two months for his department.
Cleveland State basketball will have a new Horizon League opponent next season
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,
Alton Telegraph on MSN17h
Northern Illinois sweeps SIUE in baseball doubleheader
Northern Illinois University swept a doubleheader from SIUE baseball Friday, picking up a 5-4 come-from-behind win in Game 1 and then winning 8-4 in a seven-inning contest in Game 2 at Roy E. Lee ...
Northern Public Radio12d
Northern Illinois University awarded half a million dollars to plant trees on campus
Northern Illinois University will plant up to 450 new trees across campus over the next four years. Jess Savage reports on ...
WREX2d
NIU to join Horizon League in 2026
Northern Illinois University will join the Horizon League as a full member with 14 sports set to begin competition in the ...
U.S. News & World Report22d
Northern Illinois University
At Northern Illinois University, a public institution, the majority of the online education classes are recorded and archived so students can access the information on their time. Ninety-nine ...
Northern Public Radio3d
NIU State of the University address underlines federal government chaos and financial challenges
NIU President Lisa Freeman delivered her annual State of the University address. WNIJ's Peter Medlin and Jason Cregier have ...