Gannon University and Ursuline College, two Division II schools undergoing a merger, filed a lawsuit against the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) after the conference decided to remove Ursuline following the 2026–27 school year. Although the NCAA approved the merger in May, allowing Ursuline to remain an active Division II member with separate athletic programs under Gannon’s academic control, the G-MAC rejected this arrangement. The lawsuit argues that the G-MAC's removal of Ursuline violates its own bylaws and constitution, and also claims a potential Title IX violation due to the impact on women's sports participation.

Gannon and Ursuline began merger talks two years ago, with Gannon officially taking control of Ursuline's campus in June 2025. By early July 2026, Gannon’s president, Walter Iwanenko Jr., became president of Ursuline, and the two institutions formed a consolidated board. The merger still requires U.S. Department of Education approval, expected by mid-July 2026, with the combined entity to be known as Ursuline College: Campus of Gannon University. This type of academic consolidation with separate athletic programs has precedent, as seen in the 2022 Pennsylvania Western University merger.

The conflict arose when, in October 2025, the G-MAC declared that Ursuline no longer met membership requirements due to the merger, despite Ursuline’s request for a waiver and pending reconsideration that never came to a vote. Ursuline’s athletic director, Cindy McKnight, has found it difficult to secure alternative conference placements for Ursuline’s teams, citing a disproportionate number of women’s programs compared to men’s. She stressed the urgency of resolving the issue, as upcoming conference schedules and recruiting efforts for the 2027–28 season are at risk, and two athletes have already transferred amid the uncertainty.

Gannon’s president highlighted the significant financial stakes, noting that Ursuline is anticipating record freshman enrollment in fall 2026, much of which depends on athletic participation. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to maintain Ursuline’s conference membership during the legal proceedings. McKnight expressed frustration over the impact on athletes and coaches, emphasizing that Ursuline’s teams operate independently from Gannon’s and condemning the conference’s actions as unjust to their athletic community.