The University of Massachusetts is set to join the Mid-American Conference for nearly all sports starting in 2025-26, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
UMass currently competes as an independent in football and in the Atlantic 10 for most other men’s and women’s athletic programs. Because the MAC doesn’t offer hockey, UMass will remain in Hockey East. According to ESPN, UMass will ask to remain in the Atlantic 10 for men’s and women’s lacrosse.
MAC presidents voted on Monday to invite UMass as a new member and the school is expected to accept, according to multiple reports.
The Minutemen would join the 12 current full MAC members: Akron, Bowling Green State, Buffalo, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Michigan.
UMass previously competed in the MAC for four seasons in football from 2012-15, compiling an overall record of 8-40 with a 7-25 mark in league play. The Minutemen finished 3-9 in 2023.
The Amherst, Mass., school has been a member of the A-10 for men’s and women’s basketball since the 1982-83 season.
