Utah Valley University officially entered The Big West conference on July 1, 2026, marking the first time the league has maintained a presence in Utah since Utah State concluded its membership in 2005. The transition moves the Orem-based Wolverines from the Western Athletic Conference to an 11-team lineup of mid-major institutions starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
Conference expansion and geography
The move brings a significant geographic expansion to The Big West, placing the conference back in the Beehive State. According to announcements from both Utah Valley University and The Big West, the university's arrival expands the league's footprint into a strategically important region of the Intermountain West.
Current Big West membership lineup
As reported by The Big West, the addition of UVU, alongside the recent addition of California Baptist University, brings the conference to 11 members for the upcoming season. While the possibility of adding a 12th member remains under consideration, the current structure will feature a lineup that includes Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal and State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and California Baptist.
UVU enrollment and student population
Upon joining the conference, Utah Valley University will become the largest institution in The Big West by enrollment. The university serves more than 46,800 students, with some reports citing a student population of approximately 47,000.
Presidential reaction to transition
UVU President Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez described the move as an important milestone for the university's 125,000 alumni and nearly 400 student-athletes. In a statement released in June 2025, she noted that the transition reflects the progress made across the university's programs and expressed confidence that the athletics program will continue to thrive in the new environment.
Sports programs moving to Big West
The athletic transition involves 13 Big West-sponsored sports for the Wolverines. These programs include 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 and field, and women's volleyball.
Wrestling program conference status
However, not all of UVU's Division I programs will move to the new conference. The university's wrestling program will continue to compete in the Big 12 Conference.
UVU Athletics Director Dr. Jared Sumsion characterized the invitation as a culmination of the university's expansive growth and athletic success. He noted that the move provides a transformative opportunity for the department and expressed pride in partnering with well-established institutions that have significant histories of success.
In a statement from June 2025, Sumsion also highlighted the excitement of bringing The Big West to the Utah mountains and building new rivalries within the region.
The university's move follows a period of significant athletic achievement in the Western Athletic Conference. Since joining the WAC in 2013, UVU has secured 33 regular season and tournament championships and earned four consecutive WAC Academic Excellence Awards between 2021 and 2024.
The Wolverines have also demonstrated success on the national stage with NCAA Tournament appearances in softball (2014), baseball (2016, 2025), men's soccer (2015), women's soccer (2015, 2017, 2021, 2022), women's basketball (2021), and volleyball (2020, 2021). Notably, the women's soccer program earned the university's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2021.
Beyond competition, UVU brings high-end athletic infrastructure to The Big West. This includes a $30 million soccer stadium, recent upgrades to the softball complex, and the UCCU Center, which stands as the largest arena in the conference. Other key facilities include UCCU Ballerm and a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility.
UVU Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations Val Peterson stated that joining The Big West is about long-term sustainability, noting that the move will enhance travel efficiency and support competitive excellence.
The Big West leadership expressed high praise for the addition. Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly stated that UVU brings a tradition of excellence and that their addition elevates competition across the board. Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego Chancellor and Chair of The Big West Board of Directors, also welcomed the university, thanking Commissioner Butterly for his leadership during recent changes in conference membership.
