The La Salle University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation is adding four varsity sports – including Acrobatics & Tumbling. La Salle will also be adding women’s rugby, women’s triathlon and baseball, with all sports beginning competition during the 2025-26 academic year.
The plan has been endorsed by university leadership and the Board of Trustees, including the Board's Student Experience, Athletics & Recreation Committee.

With the addition of La Salle, the NCATA membership grows to 54 programs nationwide, including 11 at the NCAA Division I level. La Salle is a NCAA Division I institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Most of La Salle’s athletics programs compete in the Atlantic-10 Conference.

"Over the course of the last several months, La Salle University and the Athletics Department have had the opportunity to re-examine the current climate of intercollegiate athletics and our own position and offerings," La Salle President Daniel J. Allen said. "Through a careful analysis, the Department determined the conditions that led to eliminating varsity sports in 2020 have changed and that the timing is right to add select varsity sports, enhance our dance and cheerleader squads, and develop a band program." 

The sports additions bring the number of La Salle varsity programs to 23 (nine men's and 14 women's).

"Upon my arrival at 20th and Olney, we discussed writing the next chapter for La Salle Athletics and our student-athletes," LU Vice President for Athletics Ashwin Puri, who started in June 2023, said. "With the addition of these four sports and enhancing the in-game experience, we believe we are creating sustainable solutions for long-term success." 

Before any programs can begin competition, the Athletic Department will begin hiring coaches for the added programs in June 2024. Student-athlete recruitment will begin immediately with the goal of beginning competition eligible in 2025-26 academic year.

"We are thrilled La Salle University has chosen Acrobatics & Tumbling (A&T), as well as the other NCAA emerging sports of Rugby and Triathlon, as new additions to their intercollegiate athletics department," said NCATA Executive Director Janell Cook. “A&T provides female student-athletes training in the various disciplines of gymnastics and cheerleading unique competitive opportunities at the collegiate level while they pursue their academic interests.

"The recent growth of program sponsorship in the northeast region, especially at the DI level, is exciting and a testament to the increasing popularity of the sport.  The opportunity to help connect young women with institutions that provide an opportunity that meets their interests and abilities is central to our mission.  We look forward to assisting La Salle as they implement their new program."

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