Conference realignment never slows down; this time, the news is breaking out west. On Wednesday, it was announced that Utah Valley will officially move from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to the Big West Conference.
This move, which will go into effect for the 2026-27 season, marks the university’s first conference move since 2013 and the conference’s first non-California member since Hawaii departed in 2012. Let’s take a look at this move and how it will affect the Wolverines and their new “family.”
Utah Valley Wolverines Join Big West Conference
Utah Valley’s 2024–25 men’s basketball season was one to remember — the Wolverines finished with an impressive 25–9 overall record and went 15–1 in conference play, claiming the WAC regular-season title. Along the way, they earned key wins over strong programs like Grand Canyon, Seattle, and Southern Utah, proving they could compete at a high level.
Now, the Wolverines are ready for their next challenge. On Wednesday morning, the Big West Conference officially announced that Utah Valley will join the league starting in the 2026–27 season.
The Big West will add Utah Valley as a full member during the 2026-27 season, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 4, 2025
Utah Valley University’s President, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez, shared her excitement about the move.
“We are honored to join The Big West and begin an exciting new chapter in UVU Athletics,” she said. “This move reflects the progress we’ve made across our programs and the growing reputation of our university.”
With the transition, UVU will compete in 13 Big West-sponsored sports, including:
- Baseball
- Men’s basketball
- Women’s basketball
- Men’s cross country
- Women’s cross country
- Men’s golf
- Women’s golf
- Men’s soccer
- Women’s soccer
- Softball
- Men’s track and field
- Women’s track & field
- Women’s volleyball
However, their wrestling program will remain in the Big 12 Conference.
While UVU is eager to push its limits in a more challenging conference, it’s important to clarify that the Big West isn’t just stronger than the WAC; it has a historically competitive reputation.
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They will have the hardest time in basketball. To compete with teams like UC Irvine, Long Beach State, and UC Santa Barbara, they will need to become used to a quicker, more competitive style of play.
The Wolverines will formally join the Big West on July 1, 2026, marking the start of a new chapter for the team.
As the institution prepares for the change, students, athletes, and supporters are all becoming increasingly excited to see UVU compete at a higher level.
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