In Depth Look: Chicago State’s New Member Agreement to Join the NEC
Recently, we were able to obtain a copy of the New Member Agreement between Chicago State and the NEC. This document is from way back in Deccember of 2023 when the Cougars agreed to join. So it’s old news, I suppose.
But just because it’s old news doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not worthwhile to talk about. For one thing, I haven’t previously seen the nitty gritty details of the contract discussed. And for another, we’ve obviously been talking a little bit about the prospects of Chi State going from the NEC to the OVC. Our opinion? Not happening.
Our opinion isn’t based purely on conjecture. Some of it is from a deep read of this very contract, and so let’s talk about the in depth details that are worth knowing about the terms between the NEC and Chicago State.
Membership Terms
This looks to be pretty standard stuff. Chi State agrees to provide the documentation that proves it is meeting conference obligations, will put all of their teams in the NEC for sports sponsored by the league, and will actually meet obligations. This is in the Conference Code, which I do not have a copy of.
Intellectual Property
This section is an agreement that Chicago State and the NEC will mutually announce that Chicago State is joining the NEC. Additionally, the NEC can use Chicago State’s name, logos, and brand identities without paying a fee.
Representations and Warranties
An interesting note in this section is that outstanding obligations to the former conference is a requirement here. I was unaware that this was something that would be necessary- in the days of big exit fees, it would seem to me that sometimes a large fee might take some time to repay. It does also mention the importance of the school being able to meet the transition obligations, which I suspect is in reference to the transition from Division II to Division I, but I can’t confirm this.
Sorry. I’m not a lawyer.
It also requires that the president of a university is able to enter into the agreement, Chicago State is an associate member in any other conference in good standing, and that there is no agreement preventing Chicago State from meeting obligations.
Payments
We’ve all been waiting for this. Payments are the juicy part, after all.
Unfortunately, this is one of the sections that is somewhat censored. But there’s still some good information here. Remember, most of this contract- if not all- is likely very similar to the ones any new addition would have signed.
The NEC will reimburse either half or a blacked out flat fee of any associate membership exit fees. (I had long been told that the NEC was willing to reimburse RMU to get them to leave the OVC-Big South, and this seemingly confirms that). It appears this is considered the Signing Bonus.
If, however, Chicago State leaves within 10 years of joining, it will have to pay back said signing bonus. This is in addition to fees for entering the conference (blacked out) and an exit fee. There are two fees outlined: one for within the first four years in the conference, and one within the first ten years. These are blacked out, but we can assume the four year fee is higher.
Chicago State pays annual dues to be in the conference, and there is a separate additional football dues. Chicago State gets revenue distribution as outlined by the NCAA.
Given the known fees, can Chicago State really leave for the OVC? I guess it depends on what’s blacked out.
Termination
Chicago State has the right to leave the conference as outlined by the Conference Bylaws (we don’t have a copy of this). They’ll pay the termination fees as outlined (the NEC will not recoup expenses unless the association is long term) and the fee is not considered a penalty, which I suspect is a legal consideration of some kind. If the Entry Fee is not yet paid off, it is due immediately upon termination of membership.
Miscellaneous
This agreement takes place in New Jersey and any lawsuits must be heard there. This (along with the Conference Code) embodies the entire understanding between the NEC and Chicago State. The agreement is binding, even if there is leadership changes. A signed facsimile is still binding. There’s a clause about defending the conference in the event of a withdrawal from another league, but this does not apply to Chicago State.
Exhibit A
If Chicago State discontinue a sport sponsored by the conference, a financial penalty is assessed. Chicago State needs to reach average operating budgets for all conference sports by 2026-27. Chicago State agrees to get the Front Row equipment, an instant replay system, and at least 3 LED scorers tables for the basketball court.
Again, I am not a lawyer, but that’s the contract as I understand it.
Could Chicago State Join the OVC?
A question has come up several times with the possible impending (or, by the time you read this, present) OVC exodus. Could Chicago State move to the league to replace them? It’s more complicated than you might think.
There’s a lot of smoke coming that the OVC is losing up to 3 members to the UAC. I’m unable to independently confirm any of these reports- not surprising, since, you know, I’m not exactly plugged in anywhere outside of the Northeast.
But while Chicago State ist he geographic outlier in the NEC, it fits exactly in the OVC’s footprint. With the conference apparently on the brink of being raided, the question has been raised:
Is the OVC fighting for survival? If so, how does it survive?
Fans have constructed many realignment scenarios (that’s what you do when you watch college sports in 2025) and plenty of them involve the Cougars. We’ll take a bit of a closer look to see how tenable the idea is.
Financials
Per documents obtained by NECBlitz, there is an undisclosed financial penalty for leaving the league. It’s in two tiers, with a school paying more money to leave in the first 4 years and a smaller penalty if they stay 4 years but leave within the first 10 yearas. While the exact financial numbers are not known, it appears clear that there is a mechanism in place to keep programs in the Northeast Conference for at least 10 seasons, with stiffer penalties if a school leaves prior to spending four years in the league. This number makes sense. The league has historically added from the Division II ranks, and this four year period corresponds to the traditiional reclassification period. This period is now as little as three years provided certain metrics are met (Stonehill did so most recently in the NEC).
It’s not outside of the realm of possibility for a conference (such as the OVC) to pay an exit fee to a member if it were a matter of survival, although I’m not very familiar with the financial burden this might place on a conference. Unfortunately, we’re not aware of the actual numbers or scope of the financial penalty. Predicting the future is conjecture, but the very existence of an increased penalty within 4 years of joining the conference suggests that it should serve as at least a deterrent to conference realignment.
My guess is that this stipulation is likely present for any school joining the NEC, but I can’t prove that and don’t know for sure. As it pertains to Chicago State, though, there would certainly be an exit fee.
If donor money were required to be raised by Chicago State to change leagues, it would be a tough sell. The OVC might be preferred by fans and donors of Chicago State football, but with an ongoing donation drive to set up Division I football, it might be splitting the pool. That’s probably not a good thing for the Cougars now or in any kind of near future.
Level of Competition
Chicago State has found a pretty good fit for its teams in the NEC. When they played independent schedules, they often had to face high level competition and their performance suffered accordingly. They had a good volleyball team in 2023, but until they joined the NEC in 2024, they had no real hope of competing in the NCAA tournament. Upon joining the league, they were able to do just that. The dream season was probably the biggest moment in Chicago State Athletics history. Would this exist in the OVC?
Maybe, maybe not. But there’s no denying that Chicago State has found a league they can compete in in the NEC.
The rise of a football program for the Cougars may additionally provide some reason to hesitate to make a move. If the Big South-OVC continues to exist, the Cougars would either have to match a higher level of scholarships than they likely plan to provide or be comfortable with playing teams that give a full complement of scholarships. It’s believed the NEC has removed the scholarship limit for football, but it’s simultaneously been reported that the expectations are for no team to give out more than around 50 scholarships. Any team leaving the NEC has to contend with this- do they increase the amount of scholarships they give out in football, or play at a disadvantage? RMU’s performance in the Big South-OVC is a good indicator of why that’s a tough choice for a program.
Geography
It is definitely true that the geography would be better for Chicago State in the OVC. It might even introduce some financial benefits as well. As it stands today, Chicago State commutes to its games in conference via airplane- the distance from Chicago to New Haven or Stonehill is simply too great to manage adequately via bus ride. But in the Ohio Valley Conference, this wouldn’t be the case.
There’s also better opportunity for geographic rivalries and shorter road trips for fans. Generally, this is desirable from the standpoint of purists, alumni, and fans, but it isn’t the way conference realignment decisions are made. The history of major level realignment has been to expand footprints rather than to contract them. But if the OVC is fighting for survival, that might not be a consideration so much as obtaining members through any means possible.
Travel costs are likely going to be a consideration for Chicago State’s decisions for conference affiliation any time there’s a decision to be made. It’s just unclear if they’d be the biggest consideration at this time.
So… Could They?
Anything is possible, but I don’t see it as likely. Unless there’s an ability to overcome a financial burden put in place specifically to combat this type of situation, Chicago State is more likely to remain in the NEC than to depart. So while the speculation will always continue, most of the following will have to be true:
-The OVC has to want Chicago State enough to pay an exit fee to get them out of the NEC.
-Chicago State has to want to join the OVC enough to pay an exit fee.
Someone will have to pay that exit fee, and it will have to be worth it to someone for it to be paid. That requires strong mutual interest and a willingness for someone to jump hurdles to do it.
Anything is possible, but it just might not be the right time or the right situation. We’ll put our money on the Cougars staying in the NEC. Whether we like it or not, money just so happens to be the most important thing in our sport today.
Coach Rome: “We’re Going to Get it Done.”
Chicago State University is making history as it launches its first-ever Division I football program, set to compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2026. Leading the charge is Coach Bobby Rome II, a seasoned coach with a clear vision to build a program that embodies the spirit of Chicago’s South Side. Rome spoke with us recently and shared his goals, strategies, and passion for creating a team that will reflect the South Side community- and compete in the big leagues of Division I in the NEC.
A Program Rooted in Chicago’s Identity
Coach Rome envisions Chicago State football as a reflection of the South Side’s character. “When people think of Chicago State football, I want them to think of a mirror image of the South Side of Chicago,” he said. “Some tough, resilient, gritty folks who love their community, love their university, and want to go out and play hard, play good football for it.”
Beyond the abstract, Rome draws inspiration from successful programs like Michigan, admiring their physical style, use of multiple tight-end sets, and some of the recruiting areas that the Wolverines like to frequent. “We’ll be a physical program, but be very disciplined in all three phases of the game,” he noted, signaling a commitment to a hard-nosed style of football perfect for a head coach that played professionally as a fullback.
Recruiting the Midwest and Building Relationships
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and recruiting for any program starts at home. There’s only so many places that you can build a fence around and form a competitive Division I roster with, and Chicago is one of them. “My goal is to try to keep some of that talent here in Chicago,” Rome said. “You could be successful right here in Chicago.”
To achieve this, Rome plans to build strong relationships with local high school coaches and communities. “Relationships are going to be more important than anything,” he emphasized. He’ll have to turn local coaches into the advocates and recruiters for Chicago State. It’s nothing groundbreaking- coaches won’t recommend their kids go to programs that aren’t willing to partner with the local community. Rome knows this and plans to embed himself in the local community. It’s a great strategy to keep kids home.
Rome’s recruiting pitch is straightforward for the athletes in Chicago. “We’re offering an opportunity for a young man to play at home,” he said. “We’re starting a Division One college football program from scratch that has not been done in the history of any Division One program in Chicago.” The opportunity to make a mark in history while playing at home is not only for the high school players he’ll bring in. The transfer portal will play a key role in building the roster for 2026. Rome plans to target “low-hanging fruit”—players from Chicago or nearby states who want to return home. “The truth is, everything you need to be successful is right here in Chicago,” he said.
Beyond Chicago, Rome will target the Midwest, including Indiana and Ohio, to build a competitive roster. He sees Chicago State’s unique position as the only Division I football program in the city as a significant advantage. “We’re going to embrace being that number one, that only Division One football program in Chicago,” he said proudly.
A Pitch to Student-Athletes: Opportunity and Development
More than just football, Rome is committed to holistic development. “We’re talking about developing the full man from the top of his head down to the sole of his feet,” he said. At Chicago State, student-athletes will receive a quality education and mentorship from coaches dedicated to their success. “At the very least, you come to Chicago State, you’re going to get a great education,” Rome assured.
Development is everything for the Cougars on the football field as well. Rome’s experience at Florida Memorial University (FMU), where he helped develop players who competed in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, informs his approach. “We’re going to home in on development,” he said, emphasizing that Chicago State will prepare players to compete at the highest levels, whether in the NEC or beyond. He’s been able to do it in the past, too- FMU brought more players to the Legacy Bowl than any other program in the past two years.
A Historic Opportunity for Chicago
For Rome, the reality of building Chicago State’s program is here already. “Every day I wake up because I know we’re going to get it done,” he said. The excitement from the community reinforces this feeling, with residents stopping him in stores to express their anticipation. “They’re waiting for this to happen,” he noted. It makes sense. Chicago should be desperate for a Division I team of their own, and Northwestern has never really captured the soul of the city like Chicago State could.
We’ve been open with our enthusiasm about the hire. While there were plenty of splash candidates in the 230 applicants, hiring Rome shows that Chicago State understands the pieces that have to be in place to build a program. It’s not easy starting from scratch, and Rome’s done the next best thing at Florida Memorial. Beyond that, he’s won in places where it’s hard to win. Theoretically, the South Side may not be a difficult place to win in the long term, but while the program is finding its footing it’ll have some challenges. We think they’ve got a coach who can win with long odds and build a program that eventually shortens those odds. That’s a big win.
As Chicago State prepares to take the field in 2026, Coach Bobby Rome II is laying the foundation for a program that will make history just by its very location. With a focus on community, development, and competitive football, Chicago State is poised to become a source of pride for the South Side and a formidable presence in the NEC. As Rome puts it, “Opportunities don’t go away, they just go to other people.” Chicago State is seizing this opportunity, and they’ve got a big stage in a big city ready to rally behind it.
Bobby Rome II Named First Ever Head Football Coach at Chicago State
If you were handpicking the perfect resume for Chicago State University’s first-ever head football coach, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better fit than someone who’s breathed life into a brand-new HBCU program; after all, that’s what they’d be doing again in the South Side. Bobby Rome II didn’t exactly start Florida Memorial University’s football team from scratch—he took the reins in their second season—but what he did there might be the next best thing. On Tuesday, CSU introduced Rome as the man tasked with building its Division 1 FCS program from the ground up, and his knack for turning struggling teams into winners is exactly why he’s here.
Florida Memorial is his most recent successful stop. His contract was unexpectedly not renewed for the NAIA school after he grew the program from winners of 3 (non-conference only) games in his first season to playing in the Sun Conference Championship in his 2nd and 3rd year at the helm. It was following the 3rd year that FMU unexpectedly did not retain the successful coach. Florida Memorial, like Chicago State, is an HBCU. It’s the biggest reason to feel optimistic about the hire and the fit, but it’s not the only one.
It’s not what stood out to me, anyway.
There’s a few types of football fans in America. We can all point toward the biggest schools and historic winners, especially at the D1 level, but how many fans know about Virginia University of Lynchburg? If you do, you’re likely aware that the small HBCU is usually brought in as a home opponent for programs looking to add to their schedule. They’ve played NEC schools in the past, including last season. The rarest thing at VUL is actually winning those games.
But Coach Rome won 3 games in a single season there. The knowledgeable football fans reading this article just spit out their drinks. It’s so impressive of a feat that he was named the 2018 Small College Sports Report National Coach of the Year for his work that season for the VUL Dragons.
Chicago State won’t be his first stab at starting a program from nothing. He did it before at Far Eastern Federal University in Russia. Just like back then, he’s walking into a place with no built-in recruiting ties. But on Chicago’s South Side, he’ll find plenty of athletes who know the game and can be molded. If you add in the new and distinctly American transfer portal, there’s a real shot Chicago State won’t be a pushover for long.
If his past is any clue, Coach Rome doesn’t just build programs—he turns them into winners. It’s all he’s ever done.