Chicago State has a new conference home for its sports teams.

       The Cougars will join the Northeast Conference starting next fall as its eighth full member, the university and conference announced Tuesday. The CSU board of trustees unanimously approved the move Monday.

       Advertisement

       [ [Don't miss] Chicago State to explore adding a Division I football program — and it could potentially start in 2025 ]

       Chicago State’s 15 men’s and women’s teams have competed as NCAA Division I independents since fall 2022 after the school left the Western Athletic Conference.

       In a university news release, CSU President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott called the NEC “the best fit for the university and our athletic programs.”

       Advertisement

       TOP SPORTS VIDEOS

       “The NEC stood out because of its mission to support student-athletes in competition, in the classroom and in their community,” CSU athletic director Monique Carroll said in a statement. “The NEC also has a strong vision for future growth that aligns with our own.”

       Chicago State recently announced plans to add a women’s triathlon program next fall and launched a fundraising campaign to explore the addition of FCS football, according to the release.

       In the NEC, Chicago State will join Central Connecticut State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Le Moyne, Long Island, Saint Francis, Stonehill and Wagner. Merrimack and Sacred Heart are leaving the conference after this academic year for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.