The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and the United Athletic Conference (UAC) have announced the formation of Unisun Sports, a groundbreaking joint venture built to support the strategic alliance between both conferences that reflects a shared commitment to creating what's next in collegiate athletics through strength and innovation.
Set to launch on July 1, 2026, Unisun Sports will offer shared services and resources, enhanced revenue generating opportunities, collective purchasing, and featured scheduling alliances, enhancing the student-athlete experience within the ASUN and UAC.
Current ASUN Commissioner, Jeff Bacon, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer for Unisun Sports. "The future belongs to those willing to innovate collectively," said Bacon. "By leveraging the Unisun Sports model, we are pooling our resources to elevate competition, generate new revenues, and create sustainable, long-term opportunities for our institutions. The ASUN and the UAC aren't just reacting to the industry; we are defining what's next in our industry."
This new structure was initially announced in June of 2025 by the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), who recognized an opportunity to build upon the longstanding football partnership between the two leagues. Upon the launch of Unisun Sports the WAC will rebrand to the UAC, the current football brand of the ASUN and WAC, recognizing its new membership composition. The 2026-27 season will debut with eight multi-sport members of the ASUN and nine multi-sport members of the UAC, including eight football members.
"The launch of Unisun Sports represents a bold and strategic step forward for both the ASUN and the UAC. This joint venture is rooted in a shared vision — to create new opportunities for our student-athletes, strengthen institutional collaboration, and position our member programs for long-term success in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape", said Board Chair and Stetson University President Dr. Christopher Roellke.
The impact of Unisun Sports is already being felt within the membership. The 2026-27 Men's and Women's Basketball seasons will feature an array of high profile games between the ASUN and UAC, bringing valuable home Division I games to campuses and fans. Shared resource plans are expected to create significant operational cost savings for both conferences. Future announcements will include a new media rights agreement, and a modernized staffing structure aimed towards enhanced services and revenue generation.
"The launch of Unisun Sports represents a forward-thinking step for the future of the UAC and ASUN.", added Vice Board Chair and Abilene Christian University President Dr. Phil Schubert. "We are proud of this collaboration rooted in stability and growth, and we believe Unisun Sports will serve as a model for the next era of college athletics."
Unisun Sports signals what's next - a bold new chapter for both conferences in the modern era of collegiate athletics.
