UVU will join the Big West on July 1, 2026.
(Photo courtesy of Jay Drowns/UVU) Former Utah Valley University men’s basketball coach Mark Madsen speaks during his introductory press conference at the NUVI Basketball Center in Orem on Monday, April 15, 2019.
Utah Valley University is leaving the Western Athletic Conference.
On Wednesday, the Wolverines announced that they will be joining the Big West Conference as a full member on July 1, 2026.
They’ll be joining programs Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and California Baptist in the conference.
“We are honored to join The Big West and begin an exciting new chapter in UVU Athletics,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez in a news release. “This move reflects the progress we’ve made across our programs and the growing reputation of our university. One of the most enjoyable parts of my presidency has been watching our student-athletes compete, learn, and grow, often punching above their weight. I am confident that we will continue to thrive in The Big West. The future looks bright.”
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Valley Wolverines center Fardaws Aimaq (11) is guarded by Brigham Young Cougars guard Te’Jon Lucas (3), in basketball action, between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Utah Valley Wolverines in Orem, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
With the transition, UVU will compete in 13 Big West-sponsored sports, including: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball.
UVU wrestling will continue to compete in the Big 12.
“This is a transformative opportunity for our department,” UVU AD Jared Sumsion said. “The Big West is an elite conference that reflects the academic, athletic, and geographic profile we’ve worked hard to build. We are thrilled to align with its membership and to bring the Big West to the Utah mountains.”
UVU has been with the WAC since 2013, winning 33 total regular-season and tournament championships in the conference.
Upon its entry to the Big West, Utah Valley will become the largest university in the conference with more than 46,800 enrolled students.
“We are thrilled to welcome Utah Valley University to the Big West,” Big West commissioner Dan Butterly said. “… Their addition expands our geographic footprint into a vibrant and strategically significant region, while elevating the level of competition across the board. We look forward to the energy and excitement the Wolverines will bring to the Big West.”