The Metro Conference announced Friday that it will add Stonehill College to its roster beginning July 1, 2027.
The move brings the conference to a record 14 member institutions for the 2027-28 season, according to Yahoo Sports.
Stonehill, located in North Easton, Massachusetts, is the second school from the Northeast Conference to accept a Metro invitation within three weeks.
Le Moyne College is also set to join the league during the 2027-28 academic year, as reported by the Times Union.
Metro commissioner Travis Tellitocci praised the institution’s growth and commitment to its athletic programs.
“We are excited to welcome Stonehill College as the 14th member of the Metro Conference,” Tellitocci said in a news release.
Siena president Chuck Seifert, who chairs the Metro Council of Presidents, emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion.
“Reaching a record 14 member institutions and strengthening our New England footprint enhances our competitive landscape,” Seifert noted.
The conference is currently navigating significant changes, including the departure of Fairfield, which is moving to the Coastal Athletic Association, per the Times Union.
Despite the expansion, some voices within the conference have expressed reservations regarding the competitive impact of adding more schools from the Northeast Conference.
Frank Ambrose, a revenue and NIL strategy advisor for Siena, questioned the move’s effect on the league’s basketball standing.
“I’m sorry I just don’t see this as a net plus but the conference has been playing defense for years,” Ambrose stated on social media.
Stonehill completed its transition to Division I status on July 1, 2025, and maintains a significant investment plan for its athletic facilities.
The college recently announced a $50 million improvement project, which includes the development of a new basketball and hockey arena.
The conference continues to prioritize long-term stability as it adjusts to the evolving landscape of NCAA athletics.