AMHERST — When the University of Massachusetts announced it would be moving its athletic programs to the Mid-American Conference for the start of the 2025-26 academic school year, one program in particular was left with a question mark. The MAC doesn’t sponsor a league for men’s soccer, and the Atlantic 10 wouldn’t keep the program as an affiliate member like they did for men’s lacrosse, so UMass had to find an alternative option.

And on Monday morning, UMass released a statement announcing the men’s soccer team would officially be joining the Summit League on July 1, 2025. Now the Minutemen, which advanced to their first NCAA Elite Eight since 2007 this fall, have a home for next season.

“This is a great step forward for our men’s soccer program, to be welcomed into a prominent league as an affiliate member,” UMass Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said, per UMass athletics’ press release. “The Summit League has a nationally recognized men’s soccer brand with great programs and will be a tough test for our Minutemen. We are grateful for Commissioner [Josh] Fenton’s leadership and the interest and the support from Summit League coaches, Athletic Directors and Presidents in adding our program.”

UMass becomes the seventh men’s soccer program in the conference, joining Denver, Missouri-Kansas City, Omaha, Oral Roberts, St. Thomas and Delaware.

The Summit League is coming off an historic season, as they qualified a pair of teams for the 2024 NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. They also ranked No. 3 in RPI out of 22 Division 1 conferences. Denver, ranked No. 3 in the country, reached the Final Four this season and defeated UMass in the Elite Eight. Kansas City made it to the Sweet 16 as well. A team from the Summit League has now won a first-round contest in five straight NCAA tournaments.

“It is a great day for UMass men’s soccer, having been invited to join the Summit League, one of the nation’s premier soccer conferences,” UMass head coach Fran O’Leary said. “We look forward to playing against some terrific teams and coaches and a special thanks to our Athletic Director, Ryan Bamford, for his countless hours of work spent on finding us a top conference to compete in.”

UMass leaves the Atlantic 10 as a three-time league tournament champion and five-time regular season champion. The Minutemen have a half dozen NCAA Tournament appearances and made it to the College Cup in 2007.

Throughout the history of UMass’ men’s soccer program, the Minutemen have produced 20 All-Americans and claimed major A-10 award winners seven times. They also earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors seven times. On Dec. 20, graduate forward Alec Hughes – who stands as the Minutemen’s all-time leading goal scorer (51 goals), was selected in the first round (22nd) of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Football Club.

“Our men’s soccer membership put together a historic 2024 season and adding a UMass program that advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals will continue elevating the Summit League as a preeminent men's soccer conference,” Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton said. “I want to sincerely thank UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes and Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford for their collaboration and efforts to create this exciting new relationship.”