Farmington, Utah – Southern Utah University And Utah Tech University Will Join The Big Sky Conference As Full Members Starting With The 2026-27 Academic Year. The Announcement, Made Wednesday, Signals A Significant Shift In The Collegiate Athletic Landscape Of The Western United States.

The Additions Will Bring The Big Sky conference’s Total Membership To 11 Full members. This Adjustment Follows Sacramento State’s Recent Decision To Move To The Big West Conference In All Sports Except Football. The Conference Is Strengthening Its Position As A Prominent Force In Division I Athletics.

“The Time Is Right For The Big Sky To Bring In Utah Tech And To Bring Back Southern Utah,” Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill Said In A Statement. “The Addition Of Rising Rival Athletic Departments from These Two Universities, Located Squarely Within Our Geographic footprint In The Western United States, Reinforce the long-Term Stability And Success Of Our League.”

The Departures Of Southern utah And utah Tech Leave The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) With Just Five Members. Seattle, Grand Canyon, And Utah Valley Have Also Announced Their Departures From The WAC. Both Schools Will Continue To Compete In The WAC until Their Transition To The Big Sky Is Complete.

The Big Sky Conference Currently Boasts Two Football Affiliate Members: Cal Poly And UC Davis. Additionally, Francis Marion Will Join The League As A Men’s Golf Affiliate Member On July 1. These Affiliations Further Expand The Conference’s Reach And Competitive Scope.