Long Island University Athletics

Long Island University fields 36 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division I, which means scholarship-supported athletics with regional television coverage and serious recruiting. The Sharks compete in the Northeast Conference alongside schools like Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut State. With 771 total athletes among 5,478 students, about 14% of the student body participates in varsity sports. The athletic program distributes nearly $19.5 million in scholarships across all sports. The basketball teams have historically been the most competitive programs, with the men's team making occasional postseason appearances. The Sharks nickname reflects the school's Long Island coastal identity. As a mid-major Division I program, LIU offers the college sports experience without the massive stadium crowds of power conferences, creating a more intimate but still competitive athletic environment.