Simon Fraser University To Leave NCAA, Intends On Returning To U SPORTS
Simon Fraser University has officially announced its intention to leave the NCAA and apply for readmission into U SPORTS, marking a potential end to its historic 15-year run as the only Canadian university competing full-time in American collegiate athletics.
In September, SFU commissioned an independent report to explore the long-term impact of remaining in the NCAA versus transitioning back into a Canadian athletics framework. Based on the findings of that report, combined with internal reviews and consultation with student-athletes and the broader sporting community, the university’s executive team has decided to pursue membership in U SPORTS and the Canada West conference starting in the 2027–28 season.
If approved, SFU would officially compete in U SPORTS beginning in Fall 2027 and withdraw from the NCAA and its current conferences — the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).
Why SFU Is Making This Move
According to the university, the core reasoning behind the decision comes down to sustainability.
SFU’s executive cited increasing financial pressure, logistical challenges, and long-term viability as key factors. While competing in the NCAA provided unique visibility and competitive benefits, the cost of maintaining U.S.-based competition has become increasingly difficult.
The university’s Athletics & Recreation department is projected to face up to $1 million in budget cuts over the next five years. In contrast, a transition to U SPORTS is estimated to generate $1.1 million in savings, helping create a more sustainable operating model while maintaining high-quality varsity opportunities for student-athletes.
SFU also emphasized that competing against Canadian universities would:
Strengthen local rivalries with programs like UBC, Trinity Western and UVic
Improve campus fan engagement and school spirit
Align more closely with the university’s values and long-term community goals
“Competing in the U.S. is not sustainable due to unpredictable costs and legal and logistical challenges,” the university stated in its release.
What Happens Next?
SFU will now formally apply to join the Canada West conference and U SPORTS, with the decision expected to be made in Spring or Summer 2026.
Until then:
SFU will remain a full NCAA member through the 2026–27 season
No immediate changes will occur to current competition, scholarships or eligibility structures
If accepted, SFU would officially join U SPORTS in the 2027–28 season
The university has committed to providing ongoing updates and maintaining transparent communication with student-athletes and staff throughout the process.
Impact on Sports Programs
If approved for U SPORTS membership, SFU will retire the following varsity programs due to the lack of U SPORTS national championship structures:
Men’s Golf
Women’s Golf
Softball
Men’s Outdoor Track & Field
Women’s Outdoor Track & Field
(Note: U SPORTS does have Track & Field National Championships)
The university also confirmed that it will review the future of indoor track and field as part of this transition.
All other varsity programs would move to compete in Canada West and U SPORTS starting in 2027–28.
SFU clarified that it has no intention of adding new varsity sports, and that its focus will be on stabilizing its current structure before making any future expansions.
Student-Athletes and Scholarships
SFU acknowledged that this decision will be difficult for current student-athletes — especially those who chose the university specifically for its NCAA pathway.
Currently, SFU has 285 student-athletes, including 27 international athletes (19 from the U.S., five from Europe, and one each from the UK, Asia, and Australia).
The university confirmed:
There will be no changes to scholarships or financial aid for the 2026–27 season
If approved for U SPORTS, financial aid will follow U SPORTS and Canada West regulations starting in 2027–28
U SPORTS allows financial aid for tuition and fees, but does not permit full-ride scholarships including housing and meals
SFU also confirmed that current and incoming student-athletes will continue competing in the NCAA through the next two seasons and supported athletes’ rights to explore all options, including entering the transfer portal.
Men’s Football
No decision has been made on whether or not the school will reinstate the football program, which was cut in April 2023 after it was announced that its affiliation with the NCAA’s Lone Star Conference was ending.
Looking Ahead
SFU emphasized that this decision was not made lightly and represents a long-term strategy to protect varsity sport at the university.
By potentially returning to Canadian university competition, SFU hopes to reestablish deeper relationships with Canadian institutions, strengthen its campus sports culture, and create a sustainable model that supports both athletic and academic success.
The final decision now rests with Canada West and U SPORTS — a ruling that could reshape not only SFU’s future, but the broader landscape of Canadian university athletics.
