Overview  
After a strategic process of studying and exploring the best direction regarding conference affiliation, the Fresno Pacific University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the university's application to transition to the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

On June 11, 2025, the Board of Presidents of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) proudly approved Fresno Pacific University's application for full membership, effective at the beginning of the Fall 2026 academic year. FPU will continue as full members of the PacWest Conference through the 2025–26 academic year.

This marks a significant and exciting step forward for FPU Athletics. As with any major change, we know this news may bring questions from students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and fans. The following FAQs are intended to provide clarity and reassurance as we walk together into this next chapter.
 

1. What is the CCAA?
The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), founded in 1938, is one of the most successful and respected NCAA Division II conferences in the nation. Comprising primarily public universities across California, the CCAA is known for its academic integrity, competitive excellence, and strong institutional leadership. Member schools have won a combined 157 NCAA National Championships, making it the most decorated Division II conference in NCAA history.


2. Why is FPU moving to the CCAA?
This transition aligns with FPU's long-term goals for regional alignment, enrollment strategy, and program sustainability. The CCAA offers stronger geographic proximity for travel, enhanced visibility across California and consistent, high-level competition. This move enables Fresno Pacific to invest more fully in student-athlete success both on and off the field/court. 
 

3. When will the transition take place?
FPU will begin conference competition in the CCAA starting in the 2026–27 academic year. Until then, we will continue to compete fully in the PacWest Conference. 
 

4. Who are the other schools in the CCAA?
Current member institutions include: Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Chico State, San Francisco State, Stanislaus State, UC Merced. 
 

5. What sports are offered in the CCAA?
The CCAA sponsors many of the sports currently offered at FPU, including: 

• Men's and Women's Soccer 
• Men's and Women's Basketball 
• Men's and Women's Cross Country 
• Men's and Women's Track & Field 
• Women's Volleyball 
• Men's Baseball

Sports not offered by the CCAA will continue to compete in their respective conferences.


6. Will FPU lose any of its current teams?
No. All existing FPU sports will continue. Teams that are not part of the CCAA sponsorship will remain in alternate, appropriate conferences: 

• Water Polo: Men's and Women's teams will remain members of the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA), alongside UC Merced. 
• Swimming & Diving: Will continue in the Pacific Collegiate Swimming & Diving Conference (PCSC) with schools like Cal State East Bay. 
• Tennis: Men's and Women's teams will remain in the PacWest Conference, as do several other CCAA schools. 
• STUNT: College STUNT Association

7. How will this affect travel? 
This move significantly reduces travel time and expenses, with most CCAA institutions located within driving distance. This means less time away from class for student-athletes, lower travel costs and more regional rivalries and fan engagement. In some cases, sports will miss half as much class time under a CCAA schedule compared to the current PacWest model.


8. What does this mean for student-athletes? 
Student-athletes will continue to receive the support, opportunity and academic balance that define NCAA Division II. In the CCAA, they'll benefit from competitive play against well-established programs, greater regional exposure and enhanced opportunities for networking, career connections and athletic advancement.


9. How will FPU maintain its Christian identity in the CCAA? 
FPU's Christ-centered mission and values remain unchanged. As the only private, faith-based institution currently in the CCAA, we are committed to bringing our identity and witness into every space we enter—on the field, in the classroom and throughout the conference.


10. Will FPU stay connected to other Christian universities? 
Yes. FPU remains an active member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and continues to collaborate with peer institutions through shared faith, academic initiatives and professional associations. Our move to the CCAA does not diminish these meaningful relationships.


11. What happens to our PacWest rivalries? 
We are thankful for the relationships we've built in the PacWest and look forward to continuing some of those rivalries in non-conference matchups. The PacWest played a key role in FPU's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II and we remain grateful for its legacy in our athletic journey.


12. How will this impact athletic recruiting? 
The CCAA's brand recognition and statewide presence will strengthen our recruiting strategy, especially among student-athletes seeking to stay in California and compete at a high level. The visibility of CCAA competition may also expand our reach to coaches, fans and families.


13. What does this mean for FPU as a whole? 
This move reinforces Fresno Pacific's commitment to excellence in all areas—academics, athletics and spiritual life. It elevates our institutional profile, aligns us with respected peers and enhances the student-athlete experience while ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for Sunbird Athletics.


14. Will FPU games still be available to live stream in the CCAA? 
Yes. Currently the PacWest Network is the streaming home for Sunbirds athletics, but they will have a new home once they join the CCAA. In 2024, the CCAA and leading global sports media company FloSports entered an exclusive multi-year, seven-figure media rights deal. FloSports delivers global access to over 1,200 regular season and postseason CCAA events for both men's and women's sports per year. FPU will assist fans with this transition from PacWest Network to FloSports closer to the start of the 2026/27 season.

 
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