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.

Northern Illinois will be paying a $1.4 million entrance fee to join the Horizon League, which will be paid over six installments. 

Northern Illinois men’s basketball program is led by Head Coach Rashon Burno. Burno is currently on year four of his five-year contract. The Huskies currently hold a 5-23 record this season, 1-14 in MAC play. They have not finished above 250 in KenPom rankings since the 2020-2021 season. 

Women’s basketball is led by Head Coach Lisa Carlsen. They are currently 12-15 overall and 5-10 in the MAC.

Baseball finished the 2024 season 21-33 overall and 14-16 in the MAC, while softball finished 18-34 overall and 9-19 in conference play. 

Men’s soccer finished the 2024 season 3-12-1 overall, and 1-6-1 in the MAC. Women’s soccer finished 9-5-5 overall and 3-4-4 in conference play.

Women’s volleyball finished the 2024 season 4-24 overall, and 2-16 in conference play. 

During a press conference on Thursday, Northern Illinois University President Dr. Liza C. Freeman expressed her excitement about joining the Horizon League. 

“We are delighted to be joining the Horizon League. The league will be a wonderful home and a great fit for Huskie Athletics. The regional footprint of the league provides NIU student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level in cities throughout the Midwest while maintaining the high academic standards that have become a hallmark of NIU Athletics,” Freeman said.