The Alabama Independent School Association’s board has voted to end its interscholastic athletics program after the 2026-27 school year. That closes out more than 50 years of AISA-run private-school sports in Alabama, the Opelika Observer reported Wednesday.
The Observer reported that the decision was driven at least in part by the new Gulf States Independent Athletic Association (GSIAA), which AISA says it supports. “This is an emotional decision because athletics has been an important part of AISA for more than half a century,” Executive Director Michael McLendon said in the association’s release. The GSIAA has said it plans its first athletic season in 2027-28, with a full launch in 2028-29.
AISA serves more than 100 member schools and about 30,000 students. It will keep providing accreditation, advocacy, academic competitions, leadership programs and other services, and plans a strategic-planning process over the coming year. The 2026-27 AISA sports seasons go ahead as scheduled.
Area private-school families will want to watch where their schools land. Auburn’s Lee-Scott Academy already competes in the AHSAA. The Observer says it will update its story as it hears from area AISA member schools.
This is a brief follow-on summary. For the full story, read the Opelika Observer’s report.
Source: Opelika Observer
Opelika Daily News — Thursday Report, Sept. 24, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
