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The Big West proudly announces that Utah Valley University (UVU) will join the conference as a full member beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This move strengthens The Big West’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence while expanding its competitive reach.
“It is a great day in the history of The Big West,” said Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego Chancellor and Chair of The Big West Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Utah Valley University and thank Commissioner Dan Butterly for his vision and leadership in successfully navigating the changing tides of conference membership.”
"We are thrilled to welcome Utah Valley University to The Big West,” Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "UVU brings a tradition of competitive excellence and a rapidly growing athletic program that aligns perfectly with our membership and vision for the future. 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.”
Located in Orem, Utah, UVU sponsors 16 NCAA Division I sports. Transitioning from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Wolverines will compete in The Big West in 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 outdoor track & field, and women’s volleyball.
"Utah Valley University is proud to be part of The Big West. This marks an important milestone for the university, our 47,000 students, 125,000 alumni, and nearly 400 student-athletes," UVU President Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez said. "We look forward to competing and growing in a new and dynamic environment, and learning from our peers in The Big West."
UVU Athletic Director Dr. Jared Sumsion added, "The Big West is an outstanding conference with a proud history of success at the highest levels of Division I competition. We are excited to take on this new challenge and appreciate The Big West’s confidence in our university and athletic program."
Though the potential for adding a 12th conference member remains, the addition of Utah Valley and the previous addition of California Baptist University returns The Big West an 11-team conference in the 2026-27 season. Upon arrival Utah Valley University will also have the largest enrollment in The Big West. The addition of UVU marks a return to the Beehive State for the first time since Utah State was a Big West member from 1978 to 2005. The Wolverines will officially begin Big West competition on July 1, 2026.