The Patriot League is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of private institutions. Founded in 1990, it emphasizes academic excellence and athletic competition, featuring schools like Lafayette College and Bucknell University. The league sponsors various sports, including basketball, soccer, and football, and is known for its commitment to the NCAA's Division I standards. The conference is unique in that it prioritizes the balance between academics and athletics, requiring member schools to maintain high academic standards for their student-athletes. This focus on education sets the Patriot League apart from many other athletic conferences in the country.