Transition Information & Timeline | FAQs by Fresno Pacific Athletics

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) will expand its membership in 2026-27 as its Board of Presidents proudly voted to admit Fresno Pacific University as the conference's 13th institution.
 
“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 CCAA Board Chair and California State University Dominguez Hills President Dr. Thomas A. Parham. "Among the most salient are serving institutional members, creating the core elements for healthy competition and student-athlete support & success, and expanding our conference in ways that align new institutions with the core mission & 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."
 
Fresno Pacific is a university of 2,889 students (1,547 undergraduate, 1,342 graduate) located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. It was founded in 1944 and was recently ranked the No. 1 private university in the U.S. for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal. Fresno Pacific will be the only private university in the CCAA, and the first non-public, non-state member institution since Grand Canyon University (1994-2004). It will begin competing in the CCAA in Fall 2026.
 
“The CCAA has a long-standing reputation for competitive excellence and institutional strength," said Fresno Pacific University's President, Dr. André Stephens. "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 join the NCAA's Most Successful Division II conference, which boasts over 157 national championships, including the most recent 2024 women's soccer title. Established in 1938, the CCAA is home to a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, currently featuring 12 institutions across California. This includes current members Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State LA, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Chico State, San Francisco State, Stanislaus State, and soon to be UC Merced (July 1, 2025). These members comprise the largest enrollment of any conference in NCAA Division II.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Fresno Pacific University to the CCAA," said CCAA Commissioner Allen Hardison. "FPU has a rich tradition of academic and athletic success that will continue to elevate our conference. This institution, its 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."
 
The Sunbirds field 17 intercollegiate athletic teams, 10 of which will compete in the CCAA starting in 2026-27. These sports include men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's track & field, volleyball, and baseball. The Sunbirds will leave the PacWest Conference in 2026 after 14 years of membership. For more information, visit fpusunbirds.com.
 
“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," explained Kyle Ferguson, Fresno Pacific's Director of Athletics. "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.”
 
"The CCAA is committed to continuing the strength of our college sports programs to ensure that students succeed academically while having the opportunity to compete," added CCAA Board Vice Chair and CSUMB President Dr. Vanya Quiñones. "We are focused on building a positive climate, supporting high-level performance and student success, upgrading facilities, and expanding scholarship opportunities. The CCAA also values enhancing the student-athlete experience and fostering strong engagement with both campus and local communities. The addition of Fresno Pacific University to our division supports our mission and helps us protect our investments in athletics, strengthen our competitive foundation, and continue to serve all student-athletes."
 
Fresno Pacific's women's 4x100m relay team broke the NCAA Division II record at the 2025 NCAA Championships with a time 43.85 to highlight the Sunbirds' performances in 2024-25. They won the PacWest men's track & field championship with 231 points and placed second on the women's side. FPU would go on to place fourth in the NCAA Women's Track & Field Championships with Brianna Green winning the 400m hurdles title and the 4x400m relay taking third place. 
 
About the CCAA
The California Collegiate Athletic Association has been the nation's most successful Division II intercollegiate athletics conference since its establishment in December 1938. CCAA members have won 157 NCAA Championships (103 men, 54 women), far and away the most of any Division II conference. The 12-member league is home to some of the nation's finest NCAA Division II athletic programs in Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State LA, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Chico State, San Francisco State, Sonoma State, Stanislaus State and soon to be UC Merced. 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, have won over 50 conference championships, 15 national championships, and are known for its 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. 
 
Media Contacts:
Danny Barnts, CCAA, (949) 430-0040, dbarnts@goccaa.org
Wayne Steffen, Fresno Pacific University, (559) 453-3677, wayne.steffen@fresno.edu
Jim Jeltema, Fresno Pacific Athletics, (559) 453-3621, jim.jeltema@fresno.edu