Metro Conference

About Metro Conference

With 13 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, The Metro Conference is in its 45th year of competition during the 2025-26 academic year. The Metro Conference was founded in 1980 by six charter members: the U.S. Military Academy, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Iona College, Manhattan College, and Saint Peter's College. Competition followed one year later in the fall of 1981 with members competing in the sports of Men's Cross Country and Men's Soccer. On January 2, 1982, Army traveled to Iona for the first Men's Basketball game and the story had begun. Current Conference members include: Canisius University, Fairfield University, Iona University, Manhattan University, Marist University, Merrimack College, Mount St. Mary's University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Peter's University, and Siena University. The Metro Conference supports 24 sports and championships; in addition, The Metro Conference champion earns automatic qualification to the NCAA Championship in 15 sports. In addition, associate members include La Salle University, Long Island University, Villanova University, Virginia Military Institute, and Wagner College in Water Polo. Drake University, Jacksonville University, Long Island University, Robert Morris University, and Stetson University compete in Women's Rowing. The University at Albany are members in Women's Golf. The MAAC office is located in Edison, NJ.