ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Today, the California Collegiate Athletic Association officially admitted Fresno Pacific University and Menlo College, bringing the total number of member institutions to 14 for the 2026-27 academic year. Both institutions will begin CCAA competition this fall.
 
"This is a big day for the CCAA," said CCAA Commissioner Allen Hardison. "This conference has always been an NCAA Division II power on the West Coast, and the formal admittance of FPU and Menlo further solidifies that. Our fans, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators look forward to visiting and hosting these two impressive academic and athletic institutions during CCAA play.
 
Their official addition brings the CCAA's 2026-27 membership to a historic high of 14 institutions, eclipsing the 13-member conference, most recently from 2015-19. The CCAA's Board of Presidents and Chancellors voted Fresno Pacific into the conference on June 12, 2025. Menlo was voted in on November 25, 2025.
 
Fresno Pacific is a university with 2,889 students (1,547 undergraduates, 1,342 graduate students) 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.  It will begin competing in the CCAA in Fall 2026. Last year, FPU finished second in the PacWest commissioner's cup standings.
 
The Sunbirds field 17 intercollegiate athletic teams, 10 of which will compete in the CCAA starting in the fall of 2026. 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.
 
Menlo College was founded in 1927 and is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It has an enrollment of 800 and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Specializing in business and psychology, Menlo is also one of the most diverse institutions in California, reflecting a community that values global perspectives and inclusive excellence.
 
The Oaks field 14 intercollegiate athletic teams, nine 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 basketball, men's and women's golf, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. Menlo will leave the PacWest after two years of membership. For more information, visit menloathletics.com.

Menlo and Fresno Pacific will be the only private universities in the CCAA, and the first non-public, non-state member institution since Grand Canyon University (1994-2004).  
 
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, Stanislaus State, and 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, has won over 50 conference championships, 15 national championships, and is 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. 
 
About Menlo Athletics 
The Menlo Oaks have competed in NCAA Division II athletics since 2024, following a rich history of success in the NAIA. Based in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, Menlo fields 14 varsity programs with more than 370 All-Americans, over 1,260 All-Conference honorees, and over 900 Scholar-Athletes. Dedicated to integrity and sportsmanship, assuming leadership roles on their teams, and competing at the highest level, Menlo student-athletes are guided by the university's core values and strive to make an impact in the classroom, on campus, and in their communities. For schedules, scores, and the latest news, visit menloathletics.com and follow @menloathletics on Instagram, Facebook, and X. 
 
Media Contacts:
Danny Barnts, CCAA, (949) 430-0040, dbarnts@goccaa.org
Rob Garcia, Menlo, (650) 543-4122, rob.garcia@menlo.edu
Jim Jeltema, Fresno Pacific Athletics, (559) 453-3621, jim.jeltema@fresno.edu