The Midwest Lacrosse Conference and Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference have announced the leagues will expand in the 2019 season.

Effective the 2019 spring season, North Central University (Minneapolis, Minn.) will join the MLC, Marian University (Fond du Lac, Wis.) will join the MWLC, while the University of Northwestern (Saint Paul, Minn.) will join both the MLC and MWLC.

"We are very pleased to have these institutions join the MLC and MWLC," said G. Steven Larson, commissioner of the MLC and MWLC. "Each is a positive addition as DIII lacrosse continues to grow in both conferences and the Midwest region geographically."

The Rams and Eagles will become the 11th and 12th members of the MLC joining current members Aurora University, Beloit College, Benedictine University, Concordia University Chicago, Concordia University Wisconsin, Cornell College, Fontbonne University, Marian University, Monmouth College and MSOE.

"Becoming a member of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference is an important step as North Central's men's lacrosse program -- which will be in its third season in 2018-2019 -- continues to develop," said NCU Director of Athletics Greg Johnson. "We look forward to contributing to the progression and competitiveness of the league, joining the other respected teams, coaches, and administrators that make the MLC as reputable as it is."

The Eagles and Sabres will become the 13th and 14th members of the MWLC joining current members Augsburg University, Aurora University, Beloit College, Benedictine University, Concordia University Chicago, Concordia University Wisconsin, Cornell College, Hamline University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Loras College, Monmouth College and Wartburg College.

"The Marian University women's lacrosse program is enthusiastic to begin its first season of play and eager to compete in the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference," said Sabres Head Coach David Pomeroy. "The MWLC has proven to be a consistently growing conference in our region and most importantly a competitive conference to grow in as a new program. We want to thank the current MWLC members and administration in adding our program as the Sabres look forward to competing."

"UNW is excited about joining the MLC and MWLC as a home to our newest sports of men's and women's lacrosse," said UNW Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Matt Hill. "It is a competitive conference that will provide a solid schedule, create some new partnerships, and allow our student-athletes to compete for conference awards. We are grateful to the presidents and athletic directors of the conferences for welcoming the University of Northwestern."

Both NCAA Division III member conferences, the MLC began play in 2010 while the MWLC started play in 2011.