Simon Fraser University has officially announced its intention to bring its athletics program back to Canadian competition, marking a significant shift in the school's sports landscape. The SFU Red Leafs will seek readmission to U Sports and the Canada West Conference, with plans to begin regular-season competition against Canadian rivals like UBC Thunderbirds and Trinity Western Spartans starting in the 2027-28 academic year.
Financial Sustainability Drives Decision
The move comes after an extensive feasibility study conducted by Bob Copeland of McLaren Global Sports Solutions, which highlighted substantial financial benefits for the university. According to the 104-page report, SFU would save approximately $858,798 annually by transitioning to Canada West, with $575,695 of those savings coming from discontinuing women's softball and men's and women's golf teams.
These three sports would be retired as varsity sports since U Sports does not offer national championships in these disciplines. Additional savings of $337,090 would come from reduced travel costs across the remaining 13 sports programs.
Historical Context and Application Process
SFU has a complicated history with Canadian university sports. The institution competed in Canada West for ten years before making the unprecedented move to NCAA Division II in 2010, where it remains the only Canadian member of the NCAA.
The university expects to receive a decision on its application from U Sports and Canada West by spring 2026 at the earliest. The transition would involve a one-time application cost of $990,000, according to the feasibility study. University officials have not disclosed contingency plans should the application be rejected.
Acknowledging Student Athlete Concerns
In an email sent to all SFU athletes Wednesday morning, executive athletic director Luc Simard acknowledged the disappointment many students feel about the potential move. We heard clearly that staying in the NCAA is important to you — many of you chose SFU specifically because of the opportunity to compete in that environment, Simard wrote.
The email included contacts for academic and mental health support services, recognizing the significant impact this decision has on current student-athletes. This communication follows months of public concern from SFU athletes and students who had expressed strong opposition to leaving the NCAA during the consultation process.
Broader Financial Pressures
The athletic department's challenges reflect larger financial issues facing the university. The feasibility report notes that SFU anticipates a $20 million operating shortfall for 2025-26, requiring institution-wide budget reductions.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation faces up to $1 million in cuts over the next five years as part of these broader austerity measures. Dilson Rassier, provost and vice-president academic, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly but is necessary for long-term sustainability of both the athletics program and the university overall.
The final implementation of this plan remains contingent on approval from U Sports and Canada West, with the 2027-28 season representing the earliest possible return to Canadian university competition for the Red Leafs.
