New conference, new opportunities for Sunbird Athletics

Fresno Pacific University will join the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) at the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year.

The CCAA Board of Presidents approved FPU’s application for full membership June 11, 2025. FPU will continue as a full member 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 President André Stephens, Ph.D. “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 Christian university currently in the CCAA, which is recognized as one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division II athletic conferences with a record 157 national championships. Established in 1938, the CCAA features 12 institutions across California: 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.

With a strong emphasis on leadership, integrity and sportsmanship, the CCAA consistently ranks among the top Division II conferences in community engagement and student-athlete success as well as competition. More at goccaa.org.

“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 decision comes after thoughtful consideration, discernment and prayer, according to university leaders. The move will allow FPU to strengthen regional competition, significantly reduce costs and travel demands for student-athletes and increase visibility for Sunbird athletic programs throughout California. Competing in the CCAA enables Fresno Pacific to invest more fully in student-athlete success both on and off the field/court.

The Sunbirds will leave the PacWest Conference in 2026 after 14 years of membership, during which the PacWest played a key role in FPU’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Some rivalries will continue in non-conference matchups.

“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,” said Kyle Ferguson, director of athletics.

“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,” Ferguson said.

More on FPU’s transition to the CCAA, including answers to frequently asked questions, at fpusunbirds.com.