BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Patriot League announced on Friday that William & Mary will become an Associate Member for the league, participating in football only, beginning with the 2026 season.

The Tribe has been a member of the Coastal Athletic Association in the FCS since its inception in 1979. They will join their rival University of Richmond in leaving the CAA for the Patriot League. The Spiders will begin competition in the PL this fall opening against Lehigh on August 30. W&M and U of R play in the Capital Cup matchup each year on the gridiron. This event, deemed the "Oldest Rivalry in the South" has the Spiders holding a 66-64-5 edge in the series.

“I am pleased to welcome William & Mary as our ninth football member. This is an important day for the League,” Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said in a release. “William & Mary’s commitment to academic excellence, athletic performance and community engagement reflects a holistic approach to student-athlete development that aligns with our membership and will make them an ideal institutional partner for the League.”

William & Mary has been to the FCS playoffs 11 times with a record of 8-11. They reached the semifinals in 2004 and 2009.