Fresno Pacific University will join the California Collegiate Athletic Association at the beginning of the Fall 2026-27 academic year.
The CCAA Board of Presidents approved FPU’s application for full membership June 11, 2025. FPU will continue as full members of the PacWest Conference through the 2025–26 academic year. Both conferences are part of the NCAA Division II.
“The CCAA has a long-standing reputation for competitive excellence and institutional strength,” said André Stephens, Ph.D., FPU President. “As one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences in the nation, it offers a strong platform for athletic growth while aligning well with our academic standards and geographic footprint. Joining this historic and respected conference positions FPU alongside highly regarded public universities, enhancing our level of play and deepening regional rivalries that energize our teams and fans.”
The Sunbirds will be the only private, Christian-based university currently in the CCAA, becoming the first non-public, non-state member institution since Grand Canyon University (1994-2004). As winners of an unprecedented 157 NCAA national championships, the CCAA is the most successful conference in Division II history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fresno Pacific University to the CCAA,” said Allen Hardison, CCAA commissioner. “FPU has a rich tradition of academic and athletic success that will continue to elevate our conference. This institution, their athletic department and the Fresno market add significant value to the CCAA, and this move further enhances our conference's strong reputation. I look forward to watching the Sunbirds add to our collective success starting in the fall of 2026.”
This decision comes after thoughtful consideration, discernment and prayer. The move to the CCAA will allow FPU to strengthen regional competition, significantly reduce cost and travel demands for student-athletes and increase visibility for Sunbird athletics programs throughout California on a greater scale. Competing in the CCAA enables Fresno Pacific to invest more fully in student-athlete success both on and off the field/court.
“Our move to the CCAA is a strategic step for our institution,” added Kyle Ferguson, director of athletics. “We are deeply grateful for our time in the PacWest Conference, where we built lasting relationships and competed among mission-driven peers. The PacWest has been an important part of our journey, and we leave with respect and appreciation for the leadership and partnership we’ve experienced.”
The Sunbirds will leave the PacWest Conference in 2026 after 14 years of membership. The PacWest played a key role in FPU’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, and the entire university will remain grateful for its legacy in their athletic journey. FPU would also like to acknowledge and be thankful for the relationships built in the PacWest—many dating back to their days together as NAIA opponents—and look forward to continuing some of those rivalries in non-conference matchups.
Ferguson adds, “As we look to the future, the CCAA offers a new opportunity to align with public institutions that reflect our region and challenge us to grow. This move allows us to enhance the student-athlete experience through stronger regional rivalries, reduced travel and a renewed sense of energy across our programs. We are excited about the next chapter and confident that the CCAA will help us continue to pursue excellence in all aspects.”
Once fully transitioned to the new conference, FPU will compete against CCAA members Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, Chico State, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Stanislaus State, San Francisco State and UC Merced.
“As chair of the CCAA Board of Presidents, I am always cognizant of the factors that facilitate the health and stability of our conference," said California State University Dominguez Hills President Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D. “Among the most salient are serving institutional members, creating the core elements for healthy competition and student-athlete support and success, and expanding our conference in ways that align new institutions with the core mission and values, cost containment strategies, academic ambiance and integrity of our California Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions. Fresno Pacific University checks all of the boxes and is a wonderful fit with the other universities that constitute the CCAA. Their athletic performance, facilities and campus leadership have earned them strong consideration for conference membership, and we are honored and delighted to welcome them into the CCAA."
For more information on FPU’s transition to the CCAA, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit fpusunbirds.com.
About the CCAA
The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) is recognized as one of the premier NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation. Established in 1938, the CCAA is home to a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, featuring 12 institutions across California. Since its inception, the conference has won 157 NCAA national championships, making it the most successful Division II conference ever. The CCAA consistently ranks among the top Division II conferences in national competition, community engagement and student-athlete success. With a strong emphasis on leadership, integrity and sportsmanship, the CCAA continues to shape the future of college athletics in the Golden State. For more information, visit goccaa.org.
About Fresno Pacific Athletics
The Fresno Pacific Sunbirds have competed in NCAA Division II athletics since 2012. Based in the heart of California’s Central Valley, FPU fields 17 varsity programs, has won over 50 conference championships, 15 national championships and are known for their dedication to competitive excellence, academic achievement and Christ-centered leadership. Guided by the university’s core values, Fresno Pacific student-athletes strive to impact their communities both on and off the field. For schedules, scores and the latest news, visit fpusunbirds.com and follow @fpusunbirds on Instagram, Facebook and X.