The ASUN

[UNALions]

Big news for the ASUN/WAC (and Big Sky) today. The ASUN is basically splitting with the football schools technically joining the WAC but rebranding to the United Athletic Conference, which is what 7 of the 8 schools already play in for football. It makes it an all-sports conference now including non-football UT-Arlington, which has a large enrollment in a large metro area.

Both conferences will likely look to expand over the next year. This was proposed by the former ASUN commissioner back in 2020.

Also, the DI Committee will discuss a moratorium on reclassifying to DI in early August. Some say it won’t pass.

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[UNALions]

It’s official.

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[Rational Observer]

It’s not just an alliance. It’s a strategic alliance. That makes it more of an alliance.

[zimmy21]

I am starting to appreciate this, it is unfortunate that the WAC is dead but it is good that we didn't lose a conference.

What does this new UAC conference look like membership wise??

North Alabama, West Georgia, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Tarleton State, and Abilene Christian?

I wonder if that attracts any of the Southland football members back again, or West Florida, Delta State, Valdosta?

The ASUN will need to expand with so few numbers for sports outside of Basketball. Volleyball is down to 3 members. Unless they plan to get affiliate membership to the UAC for these sports.

[OldBison]

I am starting to appreciate this, it is unfortunate that the WAC is dead but it is good that we didn't lose a conference.

What does this new UAC conference look like membership wise??

North Alabama, West Georgia, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Tarleton State, and Abilene Christian?

I wonder if that attracts any of the Southland football members back again, or West Florida, Delta State, Valdosta?

The ASUN will need to expand with so few numbers for sports outside of Basketball. Volleyball is down to 3 members. Unless they plan to get affiliate membership to the UAC for these sports.

I think there are two additional schools in the UAC: Southern Utah and Utah Tech (aka Dixie State).

[Tech Boys]

I think there are two additional schools in the UAC: Southern Utah and Utah Tech (aka Dixie State).

Currently yes. But those two are headed to the Big Sky. When the UAC becomes an all-sport conference it will have the current non-Utah UAC football schools and Texas-Arlington.

[zimmy21]

Currently yes. But those two are headed to the Big Sky. When the UAC becomes an all-sport conference it will have the current non-Utah UAC football schools and Texas-Arlington.

That's right, UT-Arlington is still floating around in the WAC. Football time?

[UNALions]

That's right, UT-Arlington is still floating around in the WAC. Football time?

I sure hope they add it!

[UNALions]

I am starting to appreciate this, it is unfortunate that the WAC is dead but it is good that we didn't lose a conference.

What does this new UAC conference look like membership wise??

North Alabama, West Georgia, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Tarleton State, and Abilene Christian?

I wonder if that attracts any of the Southland football members back again, or West Florida, Delta State, Valdosta?

The ASUN will need to expand with so few numbers for sports outside of Basketball. Volleyball is down to 3 members. Unless they plan to get affiliate membership to the UAC for these sports.

Word is that McNeese and UT-Martin have had communication with the ASUN/UAC. I say it like that because both of these conferences will be run by the ASUN Commissioner. It’s definitely an interesting set up but because of this scenario it basically comes with built in scheduling alliances for all-sports, etc. As for non-football schools to add to the ASUN, I would imagine they will be from D2. I’m sure Tampa and Lincoln Memorial are possibilities among others.

[zimmy21]

Word is that McNeese and UT-Martin have had communication with the ASUN/UAC. I say it like that because both of these conferences will be run by the ASUN Commissioner. It’s definitely an interesting set up but because of this scenario it basically comes with built in scheduling alliances for all-sports, etc. As for non-football schools to add to the ASUN, I would imagine they will be from D2. I’m sure Tampa and Lincoln Memorial are possibilities among others.

That is so odd, a shared commish? I guess it makes sense that it's doubling their schools odds of making the NCAA tournaments but will they share revenue from those tournaments? Or will the UAC break off as it's own entity in a short time frame?

What about Nova Southeastern? They have stellar athletics and no football.

[laker]

I think there are two additional schools in the UAC: Southern Utah and Utah Tech (aka Dixie State).

They just joined the Big Sky.

[UNALions]

UNA’s announcement:

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[canadarican]

Word is that McNeese and UT-Martin have had communication with the ASUN/UAC. I say it like that because both of these conferences will be run by the ASUN Commissioner. It’s definitely an interesting set up but because of this scenario it basically comes with built in scheduling alliances for all-sports, etc. As for non-football schools to add to the ASUN, I would imagine they will be from D2. I’m sure Tampa and Lincoln Memorial are possibilities among others.

LMU has wanted to move up for years but location (amongst other reasons) is a big hurdle.

I also think LMU (fan base and administration) wouldn't know how to handle not making deep tournament runs in mens basketball. They already fired a guy who went 105-15 in four years....

[OldBison]

They just joined the Big Sky.

Thanks. I guess I missed that announcement. UAC has them on the 2025 master schedule playing most of the UAC schools in football. I didn’t see them on the Big Sky schedule yet for football.

[EastStroud13]

Thanks. I guess I missed that announcement. UAC has them on the 2025 master schedule playing most of the UAC schools in football. I didn’t see them on the Big Sky schedule yet for football.

These moves will be effective July 2026.