After months of swirling speculation, Utah Valley University has officially accepted an invitation to join the Big West Conference beginning in the 2026-27 academic year—ending a chapter with the Western Athletic Conference and signaling the next step in the rapid growth of UVU, who were granted full Division 1 status in July of 2009.
The Wolverines were a junior college just a few years before their unprecedented jump.
The move had long been in the works. UVU, along with California Baptist University, were “unofficially offered” a spot in March. While CBU moved quickly to accept, UVU took its time—some of it strategic, some circumstantial. University President Astrid Tuminez, who was on sabbatical and had the final sign-off, was also affected by the unexpected passing of her husband, which delayed internal discussions. However, beyond the pause, UVU also sought to deliberate about its future, recognizing that its athletic profile and institutional appeal had attracted multiple conferences.
“We are extremely excited to be joining The Big West Conference,” said UVU Athletic Director Dr. Jared Sumsion. “We appreciate our time in the WAC, but with the shifting landscape in collegiate athletics and our institutional priorities, the Big West represents an excellent home for the Wolverines.”
For the largest university in Utah by enrollment, this is more than a geographic shift. The Big West, long known for its California footprint, has been clear under Commissioner Dan Butterly that it is expanding its scope. UVU, nestled in rapidly growing Orem and with strong airline access via Provo Airport’s direct flights to California, fits the bill geographically, economically, and competitively.
UVU has been growing financially as well. Corporate partnerships and annual giving have surged past $2 million annually. In 2022, a groundbreaking $28.5 million pledge from Utah Community Credit Union was announced, with $20 million earmarked for a state-of-the-art soccer stadium. The UCCU Stadium—slated to open this fall—will significantly elevate the university’s soccer programs, already among the NCAA’s top 25 in attendance.
Led by former U.S. Men’s National Team star Kyle Beckerman on the men’s side, UVU soccer is thriving. The new 22,000-square-foot facility will include luxury suites, premium seating, and one of the premier press boxes in collegiate soccer. The Big West, rich in soccer tradition, is a natural fit.
A recently announced doTERRA partnership—valued at $17.7 million—has helped transform facilities for all 16 Division I sports at UVU, including doTERRA Field at UCCU Ballpark and a new performance center. This institutional commitment to athletics is yielding results.
UVU has been strong in other key areas that align with the Big West Conference’s priorities, namely basketball, baseball, and track and field. Additionally, the geographic fit is a plus for UVU fans in the postseason, as sources indicate that Las Vegas was a preferred destination for conference tournaments during March Madness.
What about the WAC?
While UVU’s ascent is a celebration in Orem, it’s a crisis in the Western Athletic Conference.
By July 1, 2026, the WAC is projected to be down to five members: Utah Tech, Southern Utah, Tarleton State, Abilene Christian, and UT Arlington—below the NCAA’s threshold for Division I multisport conferences. What was once home to national champions in football (BYU) and baseball (Fresno State) is now the sport’s most transient league, on the verge of yet another reinvention. If the industry hasn’t learned yet, never count out the WAC.
Sumsion acknowledged that UVU attempted to bring in fellow Utah playing member schools into conversations with conferences. Still, ultimately, presidents, athletic directors, and other leaders recognized the value of UVU academically and athletically.
“We have great alignment with our campus partners who want us to continue to grow and compete at the highest levels,” he said. “President Tuminez and Vice President Val Peterson are committed to helping us position ourselves as a school with resources but one that puts the student and student-athletes first and foremost.”
Both Southern Utah and Utah Tech have explored options with the Big Sky and Big West, but as it stands, UVU will be the lone representative from the Beehive State in the Big West—at least for now.
So, what’s next?
Don’t be surprised if the Texas WAC schools end up in the Summit League or even the ASUN. With the Summit’s football partnership with the MVFC, it would be a great move for both parties. But again, I’ll reiterate, don’t count the WAC out. They somehow keep surviving.
As for the Big West, the door may still be open for additional expansion. While the league’s heart remains in California, Commissioner Butterly has consistently pushed back against the notion that it is only a “California league.” Sacramento State might be the next logical domino, but for now, UVU adds both a new market and a fast-growing athletic brand to the fold.
