BC-based Simon Fraser University applies to return to U Sports

Advertisement

Advertise with us

BURNABY - British Columbia-based Simon Fraser University is applying for U Sports membership after 15 years competing against American schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.

BURNABY – British Columbia-based Simon Fraser University is applying for U Sports membership after 15 years competing against American schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

In a statement released Wednesday, SFU says rejoining the Canada West conference in the Canadian varsity system will ensure the sustainability of sport at the school and rekindle natural rivalries.

SFU, based in the Metro Vancouver city of Burnaby, has been the lone Canadian school in the Division II level of NCAA competition since its application to join the American organization was accepted in 2009.

An independent special adviser found that Simon Fraser University's football program would have the potential to operate in Canada but not south of the border. Simon Fraser University is pictured in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
An independent special adviser found that Simon Fraser University's football program would have the potential to operate in Canada but not south of the border. Simon Fraser University is pictured in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

The school says competing in the United States is no longer sustainable, due to in part to financial and logistical constraints.

SFU’s football team, founded in 1965, was shut down in 2023 after the Texas-based Lone Star conference chose not to renew its affiliation.

SFU said its softball, golf and outdoor track and field teams will be retired as varsity sports if it is repatriated into U Sports as there are no Canadian championships in those sports, while the future of indoor track would be under consideration.

Track was one of the sports recently discontinued by McGill University.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2025.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Sports Breaking News

LOAD MORE