Simon Fraser University has been accepted as the 59th U SPORTS member during the organization's annual general meeting, Thursday.
Based in Burnaby, B.C., Simon Fraser University is the third-oldest university in British Columbia and has had a long record of athletic and academic achievement since its establishment in 1965.
Starting in 2027, SFU has will compete as a member of the Canada West conference, which last month approved their participation in men's and women's basketball, cross country, indoor track and field, soccer, swimming and wrestling.
SFU first joined U SPORTS (then known as Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union) in 2000, when they left the U.S.-based NAIA, where they had competed since the university's establishment. They subsequently joined the NCAA. Between 2000-10, SFU won 13 national championships: six in women's wrestling, five in women's basketball and two in men's wrestling. They also produced 202 Academic All-Canadians during that span.
The Red Leafs will begin competition in U SPORTS in 2027 after one final season as part of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in NCAA Division II.
"After having concluded a site visit this spring and meetings with Simon Fraser leadership and athletic department staff, we are proud to confirm the Red Leafs will be rejoining U SPORTS for the 2027-28 season. Simon Fraser's record of achievement both athletically and academically will make them a great fit within U SPORTS and we are thrilled to welcome them as they make the transition into the U SPORTS fold."
- Pierre Arsenault, CEO, U SPORTS
"Simon Fraser University is grateful that member schools have voted in favour of SFU's acceptance into U SPORTS. Joining U SPORTS and Canada West ensures the long-term sustainability of varsity sport at SFU that supports student-athletes and creates opportunities for our athletes to thrive both in sport and education. Thank you to Canada West and U SPORTS member schools and leadership for their support and guidance during the application process.
- Joy Johnson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Simon Fraser University
"Now that U SPORTS has voted, SFU Athletics & Recreation will work on the next steps of transitioning to U SPORTS from the NCAA for fall 2027. U SPORTS offers a high-quality varsity experience. Competing against local Canadian universities will enhance natural rivalries and the fan experience on campus for all SFU students, leading to a deeper sense of SFU community."
- Luc Simard, Executive Director, SFU Athletics and Recreation
ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
SFU is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, SFU has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, SFU fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities-Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver-SFU has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.
