Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

As originally announced on June 26, 2025, Eastern Kentucky University Athletics will transition to the newly-expanded United Athletic Conference (UAC) as a full member effectively on July 1, 2026.

The UAC will expand to sponsor 16 sports with the following member institutions: 

• Abilene Christian University
• Austin Peay State University
• University of Central Arkansas
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Eastern Kentucky University
• University of North Alabama
• Tarleton State University
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of West Florida *
• University of West Georgia

*Football Member Only

The UAC is partnering with the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) to form a groundbreaking strategic alliance under the Unisun Sports banner. The alliance will strengthen both conferences, create new growth opportunities across the southeast, and position both conferences for continued success in the future. Unisun Sports will be led by Executive Director Jeff Bacon, current ASUN Commissioner. 

The UAC and the ASUN will remain independent conferences, each with their own automatic qualifying bid for postseason play. Both conferences will continue to meet the NCAA sport sponsorship and membership standards.

FAQs

• What Sports will the UAC Sponsor?
  • Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, and Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field
  • Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field and Volleyball
     
• What will the governance structure of the Conferences be? 
  • Unisun Sports will establish a new structure that supports the conferences; however, the ASUN and the UAC will maintain independent governance structures and offices.
     
• What will schedules look like?
  • During this transformational time of college athletics scheduling continues to be a challenging endeavor. The scheduling opportunity created by the alliance will allow for intentional cross over games to support travel efficiency and continue to promote important rivalries between both conferences.
     
• What will championships look like? 
  • Both the ASUN and the UAC will continue to operate separate Championships as independent conferences. Championship formats and locations will be determined at a later date for sports that are not already contracted. The ASUN basketball tournament will remain in Jacksonville and the UAC basketball tournament location is to be determined.
     
• What happens if membership changes? 
  • Membership will continue to be a top priority for both conferences. Through the President’s leadership, Unisun Sports will evaluate potential opportunities for growth and best alignment of Institutions.
     
• Will each conference still have their own AQ’s?
  • Yes, the UAC and the ASUN will remain independent conferences, each with their own AQ’s. Both Conferences will continue to meet the NCAA sport sponsorship and membership standards.