Atlantic 10 Conference

Structure and membership

The A-10 brings together a mix of public and private universities that vary in size and academic profile. Member institutions govern conference business through a council of presidents and athletic directors and participate in scheduling, television arrangements, and postseason qualification rules. The league headquarters is located in Newport News, Virginia.

Sports and competition

Basketball is the conference's highest-profile sport, with a postseason tournament that awards an automatic bid to the national championship tournament. The A-10 also sponsors a variety of other sports for men and women. Typical conference competitions include:

• Men's and women's basketball
• Soccer, baseball, and softball (varies by member)
• Indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country

History and development

The Atlantic 10 traces its origins to conferences and collaborations formed in the mid-1970s and evolved through membership changes and realignment over subsequent decades. Like many conferences, it has experienced schools joining and departing as collegiate athletics have adjusted to geographic, financial, and competitive pressures. The league adapted its sport offerings and scheduling to reflect those changes.

Significance and achievements

The A-10 is regarded as a strong mid-major conference, particularly in men's basketball, where its teams frequently compete in the national tournament and have produced notable upset wins and deep runs. The conference also emphasizes a balance of athletic and academic priorities among its member institutions.

Distinctive facts

Key features of the Atlantic 10 include its regional footprint across the Eastern and Midwestern United States, a conference tournament that draws substantial attention each season, and a membership mix that includes both smaller private colleges and larger public universities. The conference has adjusted over time to maintain competitive opportunities for student-athletes across multiple sports.