Per CollegeAD ($) and Politico, Chicago State will join the NEC effective with the 2024-25 school year.

https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinoisplaybook

Well, that is about the least attractive of the options, but maybe with careful and creative scheduling, it will work out.

Their official site says that they have no less than 17 Associate Members for individual sports, so they may act as a sort of catch-all conference for the lost and lonely.

"solidifies the NEC at eight full-time institutions" That is the key phrase in the official announcement. The NEC needed us as much as we needed them.

Less attractive than the OVC for sure, but if they’re offering full membership *now* then we have to take it. Gets Chicago State back in a conference and the NEC in a slightly more stable position. The Cougars should be pretty competitive in several sports, too.

(12-09-2023 02:25 PM)joshadam84 Wrote:  Less attractive than the OVC for sure, but if they’re offering full membership *now* then we have to take it. Gets Chicago State back in a conference and the NEC in a slightly more stable position. The Cougars should be pretty competitive in several sports, too.

Do you know if it is a full membership or a contract like with the WAC?

(12-10-2023 04:21 PM)shizzle787 Wrote:  

(12-09-2023 02:25 PM)joshadam84 Wrote:  Less attractive than the OVC for sure, but if they’re offering full membership *now* then we have to take it. Gets Chicago State back in a conference and the NEC in a slightly more stable position. The Cougars should be pretty competitive in several sports, too.

Do you know if it is a full membership or a contract like with the WAC?

Don’t know for sure at this time. The language of the press release makes me wonder if it is just for a term period than can be renewed.. and while less than ideal it’s better than nothing in my mind.

If I find out more I’ll be sure to share.