Simon Fraser University, based in British Columbia, has decided to seek U Sports membership after being part of the NCAA for 15 years. The university aims to rejoin the Canada West conference to enhance the sustainability of its sports programs and reignite local rivalries.
Located in Burnaby, Metro Vancouver, SFU has been the only Canadian institution competing in the NCAA Division II level since gaining approval to join in 2009. However, the university now finds it financially and logistically challenging to continue competing in the United States.
In 2023, SFU had to discontinue its football team following the Lone Star conference’s decision not to renew its affiliation. Despite efforts by players and alumni to halt the program’s termination through a Supreme Court injunction, their application was rejected.
If SFU transitions back to U Sports, its softball, golf, and outdoor track and field teams will be retired as varsity sports due to the absence of Canadian championships in those disciplines. The university will also review the future of its indoor track program. Notably, McGill University recently discontinued its track team as well.