Saint Francis University announces move from Division I to Division III for athletics

Saint Francis University (Pa.) announced its intentions to move from Division I to Division III in athletics Tuesday. The move will be made after summer 2026 competition, according to a release.

The men’s basketball team at St. Francis just made the 2025 NCAA Tournament, winning the Northeast Confrence for just the second time in program history (1991 was the first). The team lost in the First Four last week.

Chairman and the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman released a statement on the move. He was quoted as saying it “was not an easy” decision.

“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees,” Lehman said. “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.”

The St. Francis Board of Trustees did an extensive review of their athletic programs. Upon review, a move to Division III would be beneficial in their minds.

“All of the university’s offerings that are a core part of the Saint Francis identity and student experience are reviewed by the Board on an ongoing basis, including intercollegiate athletics,” Lehman said. “Based on the changes in athletics nationally, it would be a disservice to our student-athletes and athletic department staff not to review and assess how we can best provide the resources necessary for them to be competitive.”

President Malachi Van Tassell also released a statement on the move. They look forward to the next chapter of St. Francis and are proud of the Division I history.

 “I want to be clear—we are very proud of our Division I history and success, and our student-athletes. We know this transition may be stressful,” he said. “We will do everything possible to support our student-athletes, their families, our coaches, and our staff and do right by you.”