In 1998-99, the NEW 8 Conference began sponsoring men's sports and changed the name to the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference. The NEWMAC champion was decided by in-season round-robin play. Springfield College has been crowned the NEWMAC champion every year since 1999, posting a 4-0 record each of those five seasons. The Pride also earned a bid to the 2003 NCAA Division III tournament.

In 2004, NEWMAC institutions sponsoring men's lacrosse teams will compete in the Pilgrim League for all conference competition. See http://www.pilgrimleague.org for more information.