Merrimack and Sacred Heart will become the 12th and 13th members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference effective July 1, 2024.
MAAC officials announced the additions of the two current members of the Northeast Conference on Monday.
“This is a significant and exciting day for the MAAC as we welcome two outstanding institutions to our conference,” MAAC Commissioner Travis Tellitocci said. “The addition of both schools extends our presence in major metropolitan areas, elevates our brand and enriches our conference.
“We are proud to welcome the Merrimack and Sacred Heart student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni and fans to the MAAC.”
Merrimack, in North Andover, Mass., has 28 men’s and women’s varsity teams.
The Warriors are in their first full year of Division I eligibility following a four-year reclassification process. The men’s basketball team finished 18-16 last season, winning the NEC regular season and tournament titles.
Sacred Heart, in Fairfield, Conn., is home to 33 varsity sports. The Pioneers’ men’s hoops program is coming off a 16-17 season.
The other full-time MAAC members are Canisius, Fairfield, Iona, Manhattan, Marist, Mount St. Mary’s, Niagara, Quinnipiac, Rider, Saint Peter’s and Siena.
–Field Level Media