Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference, which includes institutions in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It was established in 1980 and is a member of the 11 conferences comprising NCAA Division I. These conferences span 34 states from coast to coast.

History of MAAC

MAAC was initially known as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Association, or MAAC, which was established by six members of the Metro Atlantic Football Conference in 1980. The initial schools to enter the MAAC were Siena College, Iona College, Fairfield University, Marist College, Rider University, and the University of Bridgeport. Other colleges soon joined the conference including Loyola College in Maryland, beginning in the 1981-82 academic year.

The conference has consistently held an annual basketball tournament, with the 2021 MAAC Tournament being held at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York; this tournament is usually held in the second week of March.

Member Institutions

Today, there are nine full member institutions in the MAAC: Quinnipiac University, Fairfield University, Siena College, Monmouth University, Canisius College, Marist College, Iona College, Rider University, and Niagara University. The Canisius Golden Griffins and the Marist Red Foxes are the newest addition to the conference.

The MAAC contains two associate members in men’s lacrosse, Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University. Georgetown continues to hold MAAC membership in other sports, while Johns Hopkins is in the process of joining the MAAC as a full member in 2021.

Sports and Achievements

MAAC member institutions compete in 23 different sports. MAAC member institutions are eligible for championships in all 14 of the NCAA’s sports. These sports include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s and women’s cross country. Two additional sports fall under the umbrella of the conference: football, and rowing.

MAAC teams have won numerous NCAA Championships. Most notably, Marist men’s basketball won the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2008, and the Iona Gaels won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1985 and 1988.

The MAAC has developed rivalries between its members, with certain matchups being particularly intense. On the basketball court, Quinnipiac vs. Fairfield, Canisius vs. Niagara, Iona vs. Manhattan, and Marist vs. Siena can cause the stands of the sports arenas to shake. These rivalries can extend to other sports, such as the baseball and soccer matchups between Iona and Marist.

Conference Governance, Scheduling, and Championships

The MAAC is governed by a President, who is assisted by a Board of Directors elected from among the conference’s member institutions. The Board is responsible for the overall direction of the MAAC in all matters related to the organization and governance of the membership. The conference also has an Executive Committee comprised of officers and department heads from each of the full and associate member institutions.

The conference sets the schedules for all of its sports. Teams compete in a round-robin format over the course of the season, with the conference tournament typically held in the final weeks of the season. The winner of each division is declared champion, while the overall conference champion is determined by a post-season playoff.

The conference also sponsors championship events such as the MAAC Cross Country Championships and the MAAC Rowing Championships. Participation in these championships is open to any school affiliated with the conference.

Role of the Conference & Impact On Sports

The MAAC is one of the most visible and successful conferences in college sports. MAAC basketball teams are regularly featured on national television, through networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and Fox Sports. MAAC teams have also had an impact on the national sports scene, with Marist men’s basketball winning the 2008 Division I National Championship and Iona winning Division II National Championships in 1985 and 1988.

The conference also serves to promote the values of sport, such as unity, sportsmanship, and fair competition through programs such as the MAAC scholar-athlete program. This program recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.

Future Prospects

The recent trend of expansion within the conference, with the addition of Canisius and Marist, has led to speculation of further expansion in the future. This could see the MAAC vie with the more established conferences for some of the top teams in college sports. Such moves would help to elevate the MAAC’s profile and credibility, while also giving its members the opportunity to compete with teams from across the country.

In addition to potential expansion, the MAAC is also exploring ways to better promote its member institutions and events. The MAAC Sports Network, for example, provides comprehensive coverage of the conference’s athletics across numerous platforms. The network is also working to expand its digital reach, making it easier for fans to access content and to follow their favorite teams.

The MAAC has established itself as one of the top conferences in college sports, and is well-positioned to capitalize on its current momentum. With expansion and the addition of new member teams, as well as improved promotion of its sporting events, the conference appears well equipped for success going forward.