CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Council of Presidents have voted unanimously to add the University of Massachusetts (UMass) as a full member in all sports, beginning with the 2025-26 academic season. The move will bring the conference’s membership to 13 institutions.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The University of Massachusetts (UMass) has officially joined the Mid-American Conference today, July 1. The MAC Council of Presidents voted unanimously to add UMass as a full member in all sports, beginning with the 2025-26 academic season, as announced on Feb. 29, 2024. The move brings the conference’s membership to 13 institutions.
"Today marks a historic moment for the Mid-American Conference as we proudly welcome the University of Massachusetts into our family,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “Adding UMass is an exciting next step as we increase the strength of our collective programs. We are thrilled to welcome their student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni and fans to the Conference. The opportunity to add a state flagship institution with exceptional academics and a storied athletics tradition does not come along often. I look forward to our collaborative efforts in providing outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to maximize their intellectual and athletic pursuits.”
“The addition of UMass expands our geographic footprint into the Northeast, which is a very attractive market, and it will strengthen our league for many years to come,” said Geoffrey S. Mearns, Council of Presidents Chair and President of Ball State University. “With an outstanding academic reputation and an excellent record of athletic success, UMass aligns fully with the MAC’s mission and our core values.”
The Minutemen will compete in the MAC in baseball, field hockey, football, men’s & women’s basketball, men’s & women’s cross country, men’s & women’s indoor/outdoor track and field, softball, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, men’s & women’s swimming and women’s tennis. UMass was a football only affiliate member of the MAC from 2012-2015…