JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference and United Athletic Conference (UAC) have announced that the University of West Florida will transition to the NCAA Division I level and join both leagues beginning Fall 2026. UWF will compete in the ASUN as a full multi-sport member, in addition to joining the UAC as a football-playing affiliate.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) will rebrand as the UAC and together, the ASUN and UAC will form a consortium. This first-of-its-kind alliance will support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities. The University of West Florida will become the 17th member of the consortium.
"This addition not only strengthens both conferences, but represents yet another growth milestone for the alliance between these two leagues," consortium Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bacon said. "Since announcing our plans nearly a year ago, the excitement around what we will unveil on July 1 has been overwhelming, and with UWF on board, we have added significant fuel to the fire. Thank you to President Diaz and Director Scott for their tireless work to bring this moment to fruition. I am honored to welcome UWF to The Destination!"
The Argonauts athletics program has a proven record of excellence competing at the NCAA Division II level, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies. The University's 15 varsity programs have earned 11 national and 136 conference championships while competing at the Division II level. Beyond athletic success, the program fosters academic and economic achievement, with a Spring 2025 student-athlete GPA of 3.37 and an average of $49.7 million in annual financial output.
"This transition represents the next chapter in the evolution of our athletics program and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters," said Dave Scott, UWF Athletic Director. "As we prepare for Division I competition, we remain focused on building champions for life. We look forward to growing our tradition of success and welcoming our fans and partners to be part of this exciting journey."
During the 2024-25 academic year, West Florida student-athletes earned 12 Gulf South Conference All-Academic honors and 25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honorees, while six were recognized as CSC Academic All-Americans.
"Our transition to Division I marks a historic step forward for UWF and reflects the momentum, ambition and excellence that define our community," University of West Florida President Manny Diaz Jr said. "This milestone is about more than athletics — it represents expanded opportunities for our students, greater national visibility, and a continued commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience. I am proud of the work that has brought us to this moment and excited for the future we are building together."
The University of West Florida educates more than 15,600 students across 110+ programs and has conferred 121,000 degrees to a network of over 105,000 alumni. The University generates an economic impact exceeding $1.4 billion.
The consortium between the ASUN and the UAC will officially begin on July 1, 2026. Both the ASUN and the UAC will maintain independent conference structures and automatic qualification to NCAA Championships. The addition of West Florida demonstrates the focus on growing the alliance as a premier destination in the transformative era landscape of college athletics.
During the three-year NCAA reclassification process, UWF athletics teams will compete at the Division I level but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason tournaments. However, they will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships. Full NCAA postseason eligibility will begin once the transition process is complete in 2029.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) full-time members will include Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.), Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers, Fla.), Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, Fla.), Lipscomb University (Nashville, Tenn.), the University of North Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.), Queens University of Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.), Stetson University (DeLand, Fla.) and the University of West Florida (Pensacola, Fla.).
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
