Northern Illinois, a longtime member of the Mid-American Conference, is joining the Horizon League for most of its sports offerings starting with the 2026-27 academic year. That includes men's and women's basketball, which will increase the Horizon League's basketball pools to 12 schools.

Northern Illinois has accepted an invitation to join the Horizon League in basketball and most other sports except football.

Starting in the 2026 academic year, Northern Illinois will be leaving the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to join the Horizon League in all sports except wrestling and gymnastics. They are also set to join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member.

Just over a month removed from announcing their intention to join the Mountain West in football, NIU find a new conference partner for the majority of its remainder sports.

Warriors center Quinten Post dropped a sarcastic one-liner about teammate Steph Curry's 56-point performance in Golden State's win over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Stephen Curry remains the best shooter of all time.

After opting to join the Mountain West Conference in football only, Northern Illinois athletics is set to make another conference move this week.

Northern Illinois’ non-football sports are joining the Horizon League, per Action Network. There are two exceptions, as wrestling and gymnastics aren’t represented in the Horizon. The move is pending approval of the school’s board.