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Northern Illinois University will join the Horizon League as a full member with 14 sports set to begin competition in the League for the 2026-27 seasons, NIU and the Horizon League announced on February 27.

The announcement came following a meeting of the NIU Board of Trustees. NIU teams will compete in the Horizon League in men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s cross country, women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, baseball and softball.

“We are looking forward to a great partnership with the Horizon League and are excited about the opportunities for NIU student-athletes to continue our legacy of success,” said NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier.

NIU becomes the 12th full member of the Horizon League, joining Cleveland State University, the University of Detroit Mercy, Indiana University-Indianapolis, Northern Kentucky University, Oakland University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Robert Morris University, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wright State University and Youngstown State University.