HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) announced today that its athletics teams will compete as the PNW Lions, effective July 1, 2026. The shift is based on input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, who indicated strong attachment to the university's distinctive "Leo the Lion" mascot representing the university community's grit and determination.

"As PNW celebrates its 10th year, we proudly reflect on how we continue to change students' lives through nationally recognized academics, unique applied research opportunities, high-level NCAA Division II competition, unparalleled local economic impact, and so much more. We are excited to share a strengthened and unified institutional identity that shows the incredible forward momentum of Purdue University Northwest," said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. "As PNW Lions, our students, faculty and staff charge forward through any challenge and make impactful differences for our region's communities and beyond." 

"Today marks an exciting new chapter for Purdue University Northwest Athletics. The move to the Lions nickname represents strength, courage and a relentless competitive spirit, qualities that reflect the way our student-athletes represent PNW every day in the classroom, in competition and in our communities. " said Director of Athletics, Rick Costello. "While we are proud of the tradition built as the Pride, the Lions identity brings a bold, unified energy that aligns with the incredible momentum across the university. We're thrilled for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans to rally around the Lions as we begin this new era of PNW Athletics and continue striving for excellence at the NCAA Division II level."

The lion name and imagery captures the student body's resilience and heart as members persist to their degrees and the spirit of the more than 530 high-achieving PNW student-athletes. The transition is informed by institutional research on PNW brand equity among stakeholders and coincides with the university's 10th anniversary celebration.

PNW Athletics has grown to include more than 530 student-athletes who compete across 23 teams, including 18 administered under NCAA Division II. PNW student-athletes have recorded 10 years of academic excellence. The same spirit of strength and dynamism is exhibited in the university community, where members are supported through a student-centric focus that unlocks potential for achieving academic and career goals.

About Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.

About Purdue Northwest Athletics
PNW Athletics consists of 530 student athletes competing in 23 sports and is a current member of NCAA Division II, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and the Midwest Esports Conference. 

Intercollegiate athletic teams are fielded in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, esports, men's and women's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track & field, softball, STUNT, women's flag football and women's volleyball. Academically, PNW student-athletes have achieved 20 consecutive semesters with a combined GPA of 3.0 or above. Athletically, PNW has secured 20 championships since moving to NCAA Division II in 2016-17.