The University of New Haven Chargers will officially transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, joining the Northeast Conference (NEC) as its tenth full-time member beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris and University President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., announced the decision today.
Located in New Haven, Conn., the program will start its move to Division I and the NEC in 2025-26. Full membership will be granted following the mandatory reclassification period, which will conclude in 2029. This significant step marks a new chapter for both the university and the conference.
New Haven Chargers to Begin Division I Journey with NEC in 2025
The University of New Haven Chargers will officially transition to NCAA Division I and join the Northeast Conference (NEC) as its tenth full-time member starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This move places New Haven in a higher-profile athletic environment, which will increase visibility and could enhance recruitment and school spirit.
🚨A new member of Division 1 Baseball has just been announced 🚨
The University of New Haven Chargers will join the NEC next season
They will become eligible for NCAA postseason in the 2029 season pic.twitter.com/UoW3RpleJG
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 6, 2025
NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris praised the alignment of New Haven’s values with those of the conference, emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, competitiveness, and student-athlete experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome the University of New Haven to the Northeast Conference family,” said Morris. “Making the move to Division I is a bold step, and we’re honored that New Haven chose to take that step with us.”
New Haven, which has been a member of the Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference since 2008, sponsors 20 varsity sports. Starting in 2025, the Chargers will join NEC rivals like Fairleigh Dickinson, Long Island University, and Saint Francis University.
New Haven will integrate into NEC athletic schedules in 2025, except for football, with its timeline for full integration still under review.
While undergoing reclassification, New Haven will participate in NEC Championships for sports, including cross country and track and field, that are not automatic qualifiers. Depending on how other schools progress with their reclassification process, the team’s full championship rights will become accessible in the academic years 2026-27 or 2027-28.
The Chargers will receive NCAA Championship eligibility status beginning in 2028-29.
University President Jens Frederiksen expressed excitement about the move, stating,
“Athletics has been and continues to be a vital driver of enrollment and brand recognition for the University.”
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Since its establishment in 1920 New Haven has gained recognition for its academic success by earning top positions in forensic science and homeland security programs. The university has gained national recognition through its athletic victories in women’s basketball championship and its multiple significant sporting successes.
As New Haven begins its Division I journey, it will contribute to the NEC’s continued evolution and strengthen the conference’s competitive profile.
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