NAIA expected to finalize CBU’s application during its fall meeting later this month

The Christian Brothers University Board of Trustees approved a plan for CBU Athletics to join the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference. The university has submitted its application, with the NAIA expected to finalize the move during its fall meeting later this month. Upon approval, CBU teams will begin competition in the Mid-South Conference with the 2027–28 season.

The decision follows an extensive evaluation of student-athlete experience, academic balance, competitive positioning, and institutional mission alignment, according to university officials.

“This move is about giving our student-athletes a solid foundation for the future,” said Ron Brandon, president of Christian Brothers University. “The Board’s approval reflects our confidence that the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference will place CBU within a more regional competitive structure that supports the balance among academics, athletics, and campus life.”

The NAIA crowns national champions across 29 sports and has a long history of producing All-Americans and athletes who go on to professional and Olympic competition. CBU is no stranger to that level of competition: the university competed in the NAIA for nearly four decades building a legacy that includes 31 individual NAIA honors and more than 20 CBU Hall of Fame Inductees.

University officials emphasized that current student-athletes’ scholarships, financial aid and rosters are unaffected by the move. CBU teams will complete the 2026-2027 season in the NCAA Gulf Coast Conference (Division II) before beginning competition in the Mid-South Conference in 2027–28, once the NAIA finalizes CBU’s application.

Additional details, including FAQs, are at cbu.edu/naia, and CBU will provide an update once the NAIA formally acts on the university’s application.