Saint Francis University, a small Catholic institution nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, has announced a significant shift in its athletics program. Starting with the 2026-27 academic year, the university will transition from NCAA Division I to Division III, joining the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC). This decision comes just a week after the Red Flash men’s basketball team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991, narrowly losing to Alabama State in the First Four 70-68.
The Decision and Timeline
Saint Francis will remain a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) through the summer of 2026, competing at the Division I level until then. The move to Division III will officially begin in the fall of 2026, with full membership in the PAC. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the university, which fields 22 varsity teams and has a proud history of athletic achievements.
Why Make This Move?
University leaders have cited several reasons for this reclassification:
- Financial Pressures: The looming NCAA revenue-sharing model tied to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements could impose significant financial burdens on smaller schools like Saint Francis. Sharing up to 22% of athletic department revenues with athletes is seen as unsustainable for institutions with limited resources.
- Evolving Collegiate Landscape: Changes such as the transfer portal and pay-for-play arrangements have complicated governance in college sports. Rev. Joseph Lehman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, described these shifts as moving athletics “away from love of the game” and misaligned with the university’s Catholic mission.
- Travel Demands: Competing in the NEC requires extensive travel across large geographic areas, detracting from students’ academic and social lives. Transitioning to the PAC will reduce travel demands and foster stronger regional rivalries.
What They Stand to Lose or Gain
- Losses:
- Recruitment Challenges: The shift may make it harder to attract top athletic talent seeking Division I competition and exposure.
- Prestige and Revenue: Participation in events like March Madness brings national visibility and financial benefits that will be lost with this transition.
- Gains:
- Sustainability: Operating at a Division III level eliminates NIL revenue-sharing obligations and reduces overall costs.
- Mission Alignment: The move aligns athletics with Saint Francis’ Catholic values and focus on holistic student development.
- Campus Life: Students will spend more time on campus, fostering community engagement and academic success.
Sentiments from Leadership
Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, President of Saint Francis University, acknowledged that this decision was not made lightly. “This transition allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games,” he said. He also emphasized that while the change may be stressful for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, the administration is committed to providing support throughout the process.
“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees,” school chairman Rev. Joseph Lehman said in a statement. “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, Catholic institution, and our community’s expectations.”
Rev. Lehman echoed these sentiments, stating that the decision reflects a commitment to ensuring student-athletes receive resources aligned with the university’s mission amidst a rapidly changing athletic environment.
While specific reactions from coaches or players were not detailed in the official statements, Van Tassell reassured stakeholders that Saint Francis remains proud of its Division I history and success. The university plans to engage athletes and staff in discussions about how best to navigate this transition.
Ahead
Saint Francis’ joins the host of broader challenges faced by smaller institutions navigating financial pressures and structural changes in college sports. Though it sacrifices Division I prestige, this decision aims to ensure long-term sustainability while prioritizing academics, community engagement, and alignment with institutional values.
As Saint Francis prepares for its final seasons in Division I, it does so with an eye toward a future where athletics remain an integral part of its identity—just on a far different playing field.