NJCU to Leave NJAC, Join Reimagined D-III Conference with CUNYAC Schools

New Jersey City University (NJCU) will depart the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) after nearly seven decades and join a newly formed Division III athletic conference alongside City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) institutions.

The transition begins in Fall 2026, with NJCU competing as an affiliate member in most sports. Full membership is expected by July 1, 2027, when the rebranded conference officially launches.

“Joining this newly formed conference represents more than an athletic realignment; it’s a bold strategic decision,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo. “This partnership strengthens our athletic future and positions our university’s mission for its next chapter.”

The move marks the end of NJCU’s 67-year membership in the NJAC, which began in 1957. NJCU will become the first full-time member of the CUNYAC-affiliated league located outside New York City’s five boroughs.

CUNYAC Commissioner Dr. Kurt Patberg said, “This is the first step of several in adding Division III institutions that want to compete in a conference centered around New York City.”

Dr. Fernando Delgado, President of Lehman College and chair of the CUNYAC Presidents, added: “We welcome NJCU and look forward to their student-athletes participating in our student-centered competitions.”

NJCU’s men’s volleyball team will transition first, moving from the Skyline Conference to CUNYAC in Spring 2026.

Robert Cole, NJCU’s Director of Athletics, emphasized the benefits of the move: “We are positioning our student-athletes to compete on one of the biggest stages in the world—the New York City media market. This alignment opens doors to shared resources, professional development, and networking opportunities.”

The current CUNYAC membership includes eight colleges across four boroughs: Baruch, Brooklyn, CCNY, Hunter, John Jay, Lehman, Medgar Evers, and York.

NJCU previously participated in CUNYAC baseball in 2005 as an affiliate member and reached the league championship game.

“This move reflects our commitment to providing competitive, meaningful opportunities that elevate the college experience—both on and off the field,” said Erin J. McCann, NJCU’s Vice President of Student Development and Community Engagement.