Simon Fraser University is considering withdrawing from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Such a decision would significantly impact the identity, reputation, and student experience of the university. We, the undersigned, urge SFU to remain in the NCAA in order to protect educational opportunities, maintain institutional integrity, and uphold SFU’s global standing.

 

Background

SFU is the only international member of the NCAA. This affiliation has distinguished the university for decades, providing a competitive, academic, and institutional profile unmatched by any Canadian university. The recent external report examining SFU’s athletic future contains notable omissions and does not fully account for the academic, financial, or reputational implications of leaving the NCAA.

Read the full letter from SFU SAAC and the Simon Fraser Student Society here:

https://1sfu-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/jrt6_sfu_ca/ERJ38uWksppOhXdNnSz-upEBT2d5_LNaMouQxj_cqyENTw?e=UtDZsR 

Remaining in the NCAA aligns with the university’s own strategic vision, which calls for expanded global influence, strengthened partnerships, and heightened institutional recognition.

 

Why Remaining in the NCAA Matters

1. Institutional Reputation 

NCAA membership has enhanced SFU’s visibility in Canada, the United States, and internationally. Withdrawing would erase a defining aspect of SFU’s identity and remove one of the university’s strongest recruitment and branding advantages.

 

2. Student-Athlete Experience and Recruitment

Recent survey data shows that 95 percent of SFU student-athletes selected the university because of its NCAA affiliation. If SFU withdraws, nearly two-thirds of current athletes have indicated they would transfer. This would result in an immediate loss of students, deterioration of varsity sport infrastructure, and negative impact on campus life and enrollment.

 

3. Academic Standards 

NCAA Division II ensures structured academic requirements, limits on training hours, mandatory academic oversight, and enforceable student-wellbeing protections. These systems support timely degree completion and allow students to balance academic and athletic responsibilities. Comparable standards do not exist within USPORTS.

 

4. Health and Safety Protections

The NCAA requires certified athletic trainers, standardized medical coverage, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. USPORTS does not guarantee equivalent protections across all institutions or competitions.

 

5. Increased Level of Competition

The NCAA provides access to a significantly broader and more competitive field of institutions. Division II comprises 294 universities, in contrast to the 58 institutions competing in USPORTS. This wider competitive landscape elevates the standard of play, enhances athlete development, and exposes SFU students to diverse competitive environments that extend beyond national borders. Competing in the NCAA offers athletes a pathway to higher performance outcomes, greater visibility, and opportunities that cannot be replicated within a smaller, more regionalized league structure. The level of competition available through the NCAA has historically helped SFU athletes reach national and international stages, including the Olympics. Maintaining this standard is essential to athlete development and SFU’s continued excellence.

 

6. Financial Impact

The financial difference between remaining in the NCAA and transitioning to USPORTS is approximately $337,090 excluding Golf and Softball program cuts. This represents only 0.045 percent of SFU’s operating budget. Athletics already accounts for less than one percent of university expenditures and is largely funded by student fees, which remain the lowest in Canada. SFU can continue to support NCAA participation.

 

7. Equity and Scholarship Access

NCAA scholarships can cover tuition, housing, food, books, and required fees. USPORTS scholarships are restricted to tuition. Transitioning away from the NCAA would reduce educational access, disproportionately affecting low-income, first-generation, and international students.

 

8. Leadership and Advocacy Opportunities

The NCAA provides robust student governance structures, including mandatory Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC) with representation at regional and national levels. SFU students have historically held meaningful leadership roles in this system. Equivalent opportunities are not available through USPORTS.

 

9. Inclusion of Transgender Athletes

SFU’s current structure provides transgender athletes with full protection under Canadian law while maintaining access to NCAA competition, training, and scholarships. USPORTS competition also spans jurisdictions with varying gender-eligibility legislation; withdrawing would not resolve these complexities.

 

What Is at Stake

Withdrawal from the NCAA would lead to:

    •    loss of current and prospective students

    •    diminished academic competitiveness

    •    weakened university reputation

    •    collapse of varsity sport programs

    •    reduced diversity and campus engagement

    •    long-term damage to SFU’s national and international profile

These impacts would extend far beyond athletics and affect the entire student body and university community.

 

Our Request

We respectfully call on Simon Fraser University to:

    1    Remain a member of the NCAA.

    2    Protect the academic, athletic, and leadership opportunities available to SFU students.

    3    Uphold the university’s commitments to global engagement, inclusion, excellence, and long-term institutional vision.

    4    Preserve the unique identity that distinguishes SFU within Canada and internationally.

 

SFU must choose ambition over retreat, opportunity over restriction, and a future that students, alumni, and the wider community can continue to be proud of.

We, the undersigned, urge Simon Fraser University to remain in the NCAA.