Simon Fraser University's application to rejoin Canada West provisionally accepted

Simon Fraser University is pictured in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday, Apr 16, 2019. (Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press)

KELOWNA — U Sports’ Canada West conference has approved Simon Fraser University as a probationary member following a vote at the conference’s annual general meeting.

SFU’s return to Canadian varsity spots is contingent on gaining U Sports approval at its annual meeting in June 2-4 in St. John’s, N.L.

If approved, the SFU men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, indoor track and field, soccer, swimming, and wrestling teams will compete in Canada West starting in the 2027-28 season. The conference says the school’s women’s volleyball team has not been approved at this time.

SFU, based in the Metro Vancouver city of Burnaby, B.C., will remain part of the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference for the 2026-27 season.

SFU previously competed in Canada West competition from 2000 to 2010, after which it became the lone Canadian school to compete in the U.S. varsity system.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2026.