Le Moyne College is officially making the jump, accepting an invitation to join the Metro Conference as a full member for the 2027-28 academic year. That’s right, folks, get ready for a new-look league because when July 1, 2027, rolls around, the Metro will boast 13 full member institutions.
The Conference Shake-Up is Real
This isn’t just another school joining a conference. Le Moyne, located in Syracuse, is stepping in to effectively replace Fairfield, which is splitting from the Metro to link up with the Coastal Athletic Association after the 2026-27 academic year. For Le Moyne, this means saying goodbye to the Northeast Conference, where they’ve been hanging out since making their initial leap from Division II to Division I across all sports way back in 2023. Talk about a swift ascent! The Dolphins, a Jesuit institution, aren’t completely new to the Metro vibe, though. They’ve been associate members before, spending 18 years in baseball and nine seasons in women’s lacrosse.
Metro Commissioner Travis Tellitocci didn’t mince words, saying, “We are excited to welcome Le Moyne College back to the Metro Conference. Le Moyne’s leadership has taken an aggressive approach to building its Division I athletics program and demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in its future success.” Siena president Chuck Seifert, speaking for the Metro Council of Presidents, was right there with him, welcoming Le Moyne as an “outstanding institution” that shares a “foundational commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and holistic student-athlete development.” Seifert even dropped that their “Catholic and faith-based tradition further enriches the values-driven identity of our league.” Sounds like a perfect match, right?
The Rivalry Reloaded is Back on the Schedule
Now, here’s where it gets spicy: the history with Siena. These two New York schools are about to become Metro Conference rivals, but they’ve got some serious backstory. Siena men’s basketball hasn’t played Le Moyne in the regular season since way back in the 1992-93 season. But don’t let that fool you. This isn’t some fresh rivalry. The Dolphins, Le Moyne, hold a 39-23 lead in the all-time rivalry. Yeah, you read that right: 39-23! Siena has technically won all six regular-season meetings since they themselves upgraded to Division I in 1976-77, but Le Moyne pulled off a 73-71 upset in an exhibition game in Loudonville just a few years ago, on November 4, 2017. You know that one stung. Get ready for some renewed bragging rights battles!
Ready for the Big Stage
Le Moyne’s been hustling, completing an accelerated Division I transition in June 2026 to lock in their full NCAA Division I active member status. This move to the Metro means their teams will be eligible for those sweet automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, the men’s basketball team, led by coach Nate Champion, posted a 15-17 overall record and went 10-8 in the NEC. The women’s team, under coach Nick DiPillo, wrapped up their year at 12-21 overall and 9-9 in the NEC. They’ve shown they can compete, and now they’re going to have a chance at the dance!
So, mark your calendars for the 2027-28 season. Le Moyne is coming to the Metro, bringing a rich history, a fresh D1 status, and a rekindled rivalry with Siena that’s going to be appointment viewing. What’s at stake? Oh, you know, just conference supremacy and some serious bragging rights. You won’t want to miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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