Simon Fraser University applies to return to U Sports

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

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.

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.