They previously competed in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) from 1995–96 to 2009–10.

competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, swimming, tennis and indoor & outdoor track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, swimming, tennis, indoor & outdoor track & field and volleyball; and two co-ed sports were recently added, in competitive cheer and dance.

The team made the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 1954, 1957 and 1958.

The team has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament five consecutive seasons since 2013–14.

Loyola runner Emmett Toppino won a gold medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics as the second leg in the 4 x 100-meter relay in which a new world record was established.

Loyola boxer Eddie Flynn won the welterweight gold medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics.

[7] Loyola University New Orleans formerly sponsored a varsity football team starting in 1921.