Utah Valley University Joins Big West Conference in 2026
By Isaac Fisher, Special to the Standard-Examiner
Utah Valley University (UVU) will be moving its athletic programs to the Big West Conference starting July 2026, marking a significant transition from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) where it has competed since 2013. The decision follows recent challenges faced by the WAC, which prompted concerns about the league’s future.
UVU Athletic Director Jared Sumsion expressed excitement over the move, describing it as a "transformative opportunity" for the university’s athletics. He highlighted the university’s growth and achievements, noting that joining the Big West—a conference that includes several well-established institutions—aligns well with UVU’s vision and goals.
Since moving to NCAA Division I in 2004, UVU has evolved from competing independently to participating in various conferences, including the Great West and the WAC. The Wolverines will now join a more stable environment within the Big West, which features prominent programs across key sports like baseball and men’s soccer—both of which are essential to UVU’s athletic offerings.
The Big West will welcome UVU into its ranks alongside other institutions such as Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine, further expanding its geographic footprint into Utah. Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly emphasized the value UVU brings, citing its competitive excellence and potential to elevate the league’s overall competition.
As the change unfolds, the WAC is set to consist of only five teams post-transition, including Southern Utah and Utah Tech. UVU leaves behind a record of 33 conference championships in the WAC, including NCAA tournament victories in baseball (2025) and women’s soccer (2021), marking an exciting new chapter in its athletic history.
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