The Golden Grizzlies, then called the Pioneers, began play in 1974. In 1998, the team joined the Mid-Continent Conference (now known as the Summit League) in Division I and changed their name to the Golden Grizzlies. They have qualified for the NCAA tournament twice, in 2002 and 2006, both times after winning the Summit League tournament. Both times they lost in the first round, losing 63–38 to Vanderbilt and 68–45 to Ohio State, respectively. In 2013, the Golden Grizzlies left the Summit League and joined the Horizon League. During their time in Division II (playing in the GLIAC), they qualified for the respective Tournament in 1982, 1983, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997. They finished as regular season champion in the GLIAC in 1982, 1983, 1989, 1990, 1994, with a Division title in 1997.