Manchester University announced it is leaving the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III to join the NAIA’s Crossroads League, with membership beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. The NAIA formally approved Manchester’s membership today alongside three other institutions.
The North Manchester, Indiana school becomes the 11th member of the Crossroads League — the first institution added to the faith-based conference since Mount Vernon Nazarene University joined in 2010. The move strengthens the Crossroads League’s Indiana footprint, which already includes Saint Francis, Huntington University, Grace College, Indiana Wesleyan, and Taylor among its membership.
“We are incredibly excited to join the NAIA and the Crossroads League,” Manchester President Dr. Stacy Young said. “We are grateful for the confidence the league and NAIA have placed in Manchester University, and we look forward to contributing to the strength and tradition of both organizations for years to come.”
Manchester will begin its transition process ahead of the 2027-28 academic year. Additional details on scheduling, championship participation, and the full transition timeline will be announced at a later date.
For Indiana prep athletes being recruited by Manchester — the move changes the competitive landscape the Spartans operate in but not the program’s commitment to developing student-athletes at the next level. The Crossroads League is one of the NAIA’s premier conferences, and Manchester joins it as one of the league’s most geographically natural fits.