University of New Haven joins NEC, transitions to NCAA Division I

The University of New Haven has accepted an invitation to join the Northeast Conference (NEC) and will transition its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I, becoming the conference's 10th full member. The Chargers will officially join the NEC on July 1 and begin competing in most NEC sports starting with the 2025-26 academic year, with football's integration into the conference schedule still to be determined. The transition includes an NCAA-mandated reclassification period, after which New Haven will become a full Division I member in the 2028-29 academic year. During the transition, New Haven teams will be able to participate in NEC championships for sports that do not have automatic NCAA qualifiers. University and conference officials emphasized that the move aligns with shared values of academic and athletic excellence and enhances the university's strategic goals. New Haven sponsors 20 varsity sports, 19 of which coincide with NEC offerings.