LATHAM, N.Y. - The Atlantic East Conference and United East Conference have finalized a letter of intent to explore a strategic conference partnership in the coming months. Upon reaching a definitive agreement, implementation would begin during the 2026-27 academic year with full activation anticipated by Fall 2027.

This partnership is intended to provide a pathway for the Atlantic East and United East to remain two strong and sustainable conferences amidst the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and intercollegiate athletics. This is not a merger – but rather an opportunity for both conferences to remain focused on providing quality competitive experiences for all our intercollegiate athletic programs. Such a partnership will allow both conferences to maintain fair access to NCAA Automatic Qualifiers (AQ) for our widely sponsored sports, stabilize AQ access for sports at risk of falling below the NCAA minimum requirements, and enhance championship environments for our individual sports by creating larger events for our participants and spectators. The partnership also offers both conferences the opportunity to identify business efficiencies that will allow our members to allocate more resources towards the student-athlete experience during this critical time.

The initial steps of the partnership have been facilitated by presidential leadership and the commissioners from both conferences. That group will work towards a goal of completing our partnership terms by Summer 2026. More information will be shared publicly ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.

In a time in which many of our institutions are navigating challenges and changing needs, we believe this partnership will offer a better student experience and create stronger conferences by removing some of the continuous stressors of membership and sport sponsorship. The Atlantic East and the United East look forward to working together in an innovative way to support our student-athletes in the coming years.


President Deanne D'Emilio – Gwynedd Mercy University, Atlantic East

President Wes Fugate – Wilson College, United East

President Barbara Lettiere – Immaculata University, Atlantic East

President Michael Reed – Pennsylvania College of Technology, United East