They compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and participate in 21 NCAA Division I programs.

Iona is an original member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which began play in men's basketball with the 1981–82 season.

During their history, the Gaels have participated in 15 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships compiling a record of 1–15.

The lone win for the Gaels came in 1980 against Holy Cross, 84–78, which was later vacated due to NCAA violations.

[3] Gaels who have played in the NBA: Steve Burtt Sr. is Iona's all-time leading scorer with 2,534 career points.

The Gaels have finished in the top three at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship in 24 of the last 26 years dating back to 1997, including titles in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2023.

[4] The program has also captured 33 straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles, the longest active streak in NCAA.

Joseph Pienta is the current head coach of both the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs.

Santos is a graduate of Iona and received All-American Honors for cross-country in 1998 whilst representing the Gaels.

[11] Santos is now on the coaching staff for men's cross country and track and field for the Stanford Cardinals.