Utah Valley University (UVU) is making a monumental move by joining the Big West Conference starting the 2026-27 athletic year. This strategic addition will reintroduce the conference to the state of Utah, a significant development since Utah State University concluded its 27-year tenure in 2005.

Conference Expansion and Realignment

The Big West Conference, which currently does not support football, is undergoing significant changes. With the departure of Hawaii and UC Davis to the Mountain West Conference in the same year, the Big West is poised to welcome UVU and California Baptist University as its newest members. This transition will bring the total number of schools in the conference to eleven, with the possibility of expanding to twelve in the future.

Impact on Sports and Competition

UVU will compete in 13 Big West-sponsored sports, including prominent programs like men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball. The addition of UVU is expected to enhance the competitive landscape of the conference. Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly emphasized the strategic importance of this move, stating, 'Their addition expands our geographic footprint into a vibrant and strategically significant region, while elevating the level of competition across the board.'

UVU's Prominent Position

With an enrollment of 47,000, UVU will become the largest institution within the Big West Conference. This positions UVU as a key player in the conference, replacing Hawaii as the only member school located outside of California, barring any further realignment.

This move signifies a new chapter for UVU and the Big West Conference, promising exciting developments and heightened competition in NCAAW sports.