BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Christian Brothers (Tenn.) University is scheduled to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Mid-South Conference in 2027-28, MSC Commissioner Chris Wells announced today.
Christian Brothers, located in Memphis, Tennessee, was voted into the NAIA by the association's Council of Presidents' Board of Directors on Sunday at the annual fall meetings in Kansas City.
The Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents voted Christian Brothers in August at its summer meeting, pending NAIA acceptance.
"Christian Brothers is an institution with a deep history of academic and athletic excellence," Wells said. "Considering its academic commitment, its like-mindedness in its approach to athletics and a shared vision for conference and national collaboration, the Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents unanimously supports Christian Brothers' membership."
“Christian Brothers is an excellent fit for both the Mid-South Conference and the NAIA, and I look forward to watching their successes in our conference and the association," Wells added. "We are excited to welcome President Ron Brandon, Dr. Ricky Jackson, the CBU student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans to the Mid-South Conference.”
Christian Brothers will be the eighth full member of the Mid-South Conference and is eligible for postseason play immediately.
"We look forward to joining the Mid-South Conference and becoming part of a regional community of institutions with much in common, from our size to our commitment to academic and athletic excellence." Christian Brothers University President Ronald L. Brandon said. "This move creates opportunities to renew familiar rivalries and form new connections while bringing the competitive spirit of CBU athletics to the conference in fall 2027."
Christian Brothers sponsors baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track & field, and women's volleyball. CBU also offers men's wrestling and shooting sports as club sports.
"We are optimistic about the opportunities a transition to the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference in 2027–28 could create for Christian Brothers University and our student-athletes," Christian Brothers University Athletics Director Dr. Ricky Jackson said. "As we move forward, our focus will remain on supporting our teams, providing a strong student-athlete experience, and upholding the Lasallian principles that guide our university."
Christian Brothers was founded in 1871 and is a private Catholic university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Rooted in the Lasallian tradition, CBU emphasizes academic excellence, faith, service, and community.
The Mid-South Conference was formed in 1995 to serve as the competitive base for the institution’s athletic programs. The move effectively merged the athletic pursuits of similar institutions. The conference is unique in its broad-based athletic competition for men and women, offering championships in 28 sports. In addition to eight full members, the MSC boasts 19 affiliate members.