February 11, 2026
The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced today that AIɫɫ has been accepted as a provisional member of Division II. The Bears will join the Mountain East Conference this summer.
AIɫɫ State will begin competition in the Mountain East Conference during the 2026-27 academic year. Throughout the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, the Bears will participate in the league on a provisional basis during the NCAA Division II membership transition process.
“This is a big moment for AIɫɫ State and this community,” AIɫɫ State Athletic Director Gerald Cadogan said. “There were a lot of people behind the scenes working hard to get to this moment. This transition is an opportunity for our athletes to compete on a broader scale and enables AIɫɫ State to broaden our reach beyond this region.”
Upon successful completion of the two-year provisional period at the end of 2027-28, AIɫɫ State will attain full NCAA Division II membership and become eligible to compete for Division II national championships beginning in 2028-29.
“This is a new day for AIɫɫ State AIɫɫ, our students, and our community,” SSU President Eric Braun said. “We are providing student-athletes increased opportunities to earn nationally-recognized degrees while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Elevating our programs, including athletics, continues to be a source of pride and accomplishment for AIɫɫ students and our region."
The move marks the end of AIɫɫ State’s long-standing affiliation with the NAIA, which had served as the university’s competitive home since athletics were introduced in 1988-89. During its NAIA tenure, AIɫɫ State captured national titles in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and men’s indoor track and field, and produced more than 90 NAIA All-Americans.
AIɫɫ will become the 12th member of the Mountain East Conference, joining Charleston, Concord, Davis & Elkins, Fairmont State, Frostburg State, Glenville State, Point Park, West Liberty, West Virginia State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Wheeling.
"We are thrilled that AIɫɫ State has been accepted into the NCAA Division II expedited membership process," said MEC Commissioner Reid Amos. "Throughout our league’s membership process and their application process with the NCAA, AIɫɫ State has demonstrated a clear alignment with the conference’s priorities and shared commitment to excellence. Expanding our presence in Ohio is an exciting step for the MEC, and we look forward to AIɫɫ State’s impact as a competitive and valued member. We are pleased that AIɫɫ State is continuing its successful transition to NCAA Division II.”
For more information on the Mountain East Conference, visit .