Simon Fraser University is facing significant pushback from its student body and athletes as it considers a major shift in its athletic program. The school is exploring leaving the NCAA to join U Sports and Canada West, a move that has sparked controversy on campus.
Open Letter Challenges University's Report
The SFU Student Society and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee have publicly challenged the university's position through an open letter. They argue that the McLaren Global Sports Solutions report commissioned by the school "does not capture the full picture" regarding the potential transition from NCAA Division II to Canadian university sports.
The letter specifically criticizes the report for highlighting aspects of U Sports without providing parallel examination of NCAA Division II. According to the students, this approach leaves comparisons incomplete and fails to fully explore the strengths of the NCAA or challenges within the U Sports system.
Financial Considerations and Student Concerns
The report by Bob Copeland of Global Sports suggests SFU could save approximately $858,798 annually by moving to Canada West. However, $575,695 of these savings would come from eliminating softball and golf teams, as these sports aren't part of U Sports. The remaining savings of approximately $337,090 would come from reduced travel costs across SFU's 13 other sports programs.
Student advocates counter that athletics comprises less than one percent of the university's annual expenditure and is largely funded by student-paid recreation and athletics fees. They argue the question isn't whether SFU can afford the NCAA, but whether the university values the student experience and institutional identity that the NCAA supports.
Potential Consequences and Timeline
The report reveals that student-athletes are very satisfied with their NCAA experience, with many citing it as the major reason they chose SFU. Several athletes indicated they would transfer out of SFU if the university leaves the NCAA. The survey of 106 student-athletes (representing 33% of SFU's athletes) highlighted concerns about scholarship continuity, athletic resources, and competitive opportunities.
SFU leadership anticipates a roughly $20 million deficit for the coming year and is implementing institution-wide budget reductions. The athletics department is expected to face up to $1 million in cuts over the next five years regardless of the NCAA decision.
The university has stated it will make a decision on its athletic future by the end of November 2025. If SFU decides to change leagues, the transition wouldn't occur until the 2027-28 sports season. The school would also face one-time application costs of $990,000 to join Canada West.
