The Atlantic Universities Athletics Association was founded in 1974, with the merging of the Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Atlantic Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Prior to the acceptance of Memorial University of Newfoundland, the AIAA, which dates back to the late 19th century, was known as the Maritime Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The AUAA changed its name to Atlantic University Sport (AUS) in 1999.