MU Joins the NAIA

The Next Chapter for Spartan Athletics

Manchester University is entering a new chapter in Spartan Athletics.

Manchester plans to transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and join the Crossroads League beginning in 2027. The transition is designed to create new opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening the distinctive Manchester experience.

Creating More Opportunities for Student-Athletes

NAIA membership will give Manchester the opportunity to consider athletic scholarships for student-athletes enrolling in fall 2027.

For coaches, scholarships provide another tool for recruiting talented student-athletes. For students and families, they can create another pathway toward making a private Manchester education more accessible.

A More Connected Conference Experience

Joining the Crossroads League will bring Manchester into a more regional conference schedule.

With more nearby opponents, Manchester anticipates:

• Shorter travel for teams
• Fewer class absences for student-athletes
• Reduced travel costs
• More opportunities for families, alumni and local supporters to attend Spartan competitions

A more regional schedule means student-athletes can spend less time on the road and more time in the classroom, on campus and competing close to home.

The Manchester Experience Remains at the Center

While the conference and association will change, Manchester will remain Manchester.

Our commitment to academic achievement, personal attention, leadership development and meaningful relationships will continue to shape the student experience. Athletics will remain an extension of Manchester’s educational mission, helping students grow as learners, teammates, leaders and members of their communities.

Athletics Grounded in Character

NAIA membership also brings Manchester into the NAIA’s Champions of Character program, which emphasizes integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

Those values complement what Manchester has long valued in its students: the ability and conviction to lead, serve and make a difference.

Building on Our History

This transition is not about leaving Manchester’s history behind. It is about building on that history and creating new possibilities for the next generation of Spartans.

More Opportunities.
Closer Connections.
One Manchester.

WHEN WILL MANCHESTER BEGIN COMPETING IN THE NAIA?

Manchester plans to complete the 2026–27 academic year in NCAA Division III. NAIA and Crossroads League competition is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027.

WHAT CONFERENCE WILL MANCHESTER JOIN?

Manchester plans to compete in the Crossroads League beginning with the 2027–28 academic year.

WILL MANCHESTER OFFER ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS?

In accordance with applicable rules, Manchester expects student-athletes enrolling Fall 2027 and beyond to be eligible for athletic scholarships. Scholarship decisions will be made by the appropriate coaching staff and University representatives.

DOES EVERY RECRUITED ATHLETE RECEIVE AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP?

No. Recruitment, a roster opportunity and an athletic scholarship are separate decisions. Prospective students should connect with their coach and Manchester’s financial aid team to understand their individual options.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CURRENT STUDENT-ATHLETES?

Current student-athletes will continue competing under Manchester’s NCAA Division III affiliation during 2026–27. Effective July 1, 2027, enrolled student-athletes will transition with Manchester to NAIA and Crossroads League competition.

WILL ACADEMICS CHANGE?

No. Manchester’s academic expectations and commitment to student achievement will remain central to the student-athlete experience.

WILL ATHLETES TRAVEL LESS?

Manchester expects Crossroads League membership to create a more regional schedule, with reduced travel demands, more time on campus and in the classroom, and lower travel costs.

WHAT IS CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER?

Champions of Character is an NAIA program centered on integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership—values that complement Manchester’s commitment to developing students who lead with ability and conviction.