In the spring of 1998, the New England Women's 8 Conference voted to expand its membership to include Springfield College and the United States Coast Guard Academy. The conference also voted to change its name to the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference and to begin sponsoring conference play and championships for men in addition to its sponsorship for women.

The NEW 8 began play in 1985-86 as the New England Women's 6. Charter members were Babson College, Brandeis University, MIT, Smith College, Wellesley College and Wheaton College. Mount Holyoke College and WPI were accepted as new members in 1988 and the name was changed to the NEW 8. At the conclusion of the 1995 year, Brandeis University withdrew from the conference and Clark University was accepted to keep the membership at eight. With the addition of Springfield College and the Coast Guard Academy, the number of competing women's programs will be 10 and men's programs seven.

Emphasis on academic excellence always has been a defining criterion for membership; a similarity in athletic philosophy and sponsored sports are also considered. This philosophy, along with the inclusion of men's programs, is the basis for which the expanded conference has been formed.

The NEWMAC will sponsor competition for both women and men in the sports of cross country, soccer, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, swimming & diving and track & field. Additional sports for women are field hockey, volleyball, crew, and softball while the men compete in golf and baseball.