Sunny the Sunbird is the school mascot for Fresno Pacific University, which is joining a new athletic conference that includes Cal Poly Humboldt, Chico State, Stanislaus State and UC Merced. Fresno Pacific University photo

After 14 seasons in the Pacific West Conference, Fresno Pacific University will join the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) beginning in the fall of the 2026-27 academic year, the university announced last month.

The CCAA Board of Presidents approved FPU’s application for full membership on June 11. 

The Sunbirds will continue competing in the Pacific West Conference until the end of the 2025-26 season. Both the Pacific West and CCAA are part of NCAA Division II.

“The CCAA has a long-standing reputation for competitive excellence and institutional strength,” said FPU President André Stephens. “Joining this historic and respected conference positions FPU alongside highly regarded public universities, enhancing our level of play and deepening regional rivalries that energize our teams and fans.”

FPU will be the only private, Christian university in the CCAA, and the first non-public member since Grand Canyon University departed in 2004. 

The move is expected to reduce travel costs, increase visibility and strengthen the university’s athletic brand across California.

“As we look to the future, the CCAA offers a new opportunity to align with public institutions that reflect our region and challenge us to grow,” said Kyle Ferguson, FPU director of athletics. “This move allows us to enhance the student-athlete experience through stronger regional rivalries, reduced travel and a renewed sense of energy across our programs. We are excited about the next chapter and confident that the CCAA will help us continue to pursue excellence in all aspects.” 

The CCAA was founded in 1938 and is the most successful Division II conference in NCAA history, with 157 national championships. 

The members of the conference are Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, Chico State, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State San Marcos, Stanislaus State, San Francisco State and UC Merced.

California State University Dominguez Hills President Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D., called FPU a “wonderful fit” for the CCAA. “Their athletic performance, facilities and campus leadership earned them strong consideration,” he said.