UWF athletics officially announces move to NCAA Division I
UWF athletics officially announces move to NCAA Division I
Justin Fitzgerald, Pensacola News Journal
·
3 min read
University of West Florida’s next chapter in athletics is now official.
The school announced it will bemoving from NCAA Division II to Division Istarting in the fall of 2026. UWF football will be joining the United Athletic Conference, while all other sports will be joining the Atlantic Sun Conference.
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The board of trustees unanimously approved the move at a special meeting via Zoom two hours before the official announcement.
“What a big day,” UWF president Manny Diaz said. “This decision reflects the momentum of our university that has built over many years and positions us for continued growth for the years ahead.”
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, right, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, left, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, third from left, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, signs a donation check on the back of UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, hands a donation check to UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, second from right, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
From left, UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon, and associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott field questions from the media after announcing the transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, right, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott, left, talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, third from left, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, signs a donation check on the back of UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
“Flash” Gordon Sprague, top right, hands a donation check to UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., as the University of West Florida announces its transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense, second from right, and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott talks about the University of West Florida transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., right, listens as Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
From left, UWF president Manny Díaz Jr., Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon, and associate vice president of intercollegiate athletics David Scott field questions from the media after announcing the transition to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Guests listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Former UWF president Judith Ann Bense stands to be recognized as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Student athletes and others listen as University of West Florida officials announce the transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
President Manny Díaz Jr. announces that the University of West Florida is transitioning to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
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University of West Florida officially announces Division I transition
Atlantic Sun Conference commissioner Jeff Bacon speaks during a press conference welcoming the University of West Florida as it transitions to NCAA Division I during a press conference in Pensacola on April 2, 2026.
UWF will start the three-year transition period to Division I this fall, and will become a full-fledged Division I member for the 2029-30 academic year. This means that for the next three years the Argos will be eligible to compete for ASUN and UAC conference championships but won’t be eligible to compete for NCAA Championships.
UWF has been a member of NCAA Division II since 1994 and previously competed in the NAIA from 1974-94. It has won 11 national championships and 136 conference championships in its history.
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“This move positions UWF in strong regional conferences with outstanding institutions and growing national visibility,” UWF Athletic Director David Scott said. “It also places our student athletes on a bigger, competitive stage while continuing the tradition of academic and personal success that defines this university. For our student athletes, Division I provides new opportunities, greater exposure, strong regional rivalries and the chance to help establish the new era of Argonaut athletics.”
Cost of move to Division 1
UWF will have to pay a $2 million application fee to move up to Division I, with a deadline of June 1 to complete the application. Officials at the press conference declined to detail what is expected to be the hefty ongoing costs related to the move. They did, however, announce a fundraising effort called the Division I Run Committee to raise money for the increased costs that will come with the move.
The school broke ground ona $50 million football stadium renovationin February, which is expected to be ready by the fall of 2027. Scott also mentioned a new facility for locker rooms for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s cross country, with hopes of completing a conceptual design this summer.
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UWF also can’t opt into revenue sharing to directly pay its athletes for its first three years in Division I, Scott said.
According to Diaz, the goal is to get the “revenue engine” revving over the next three years for when the school is able to be a fully-fledged Division I member.
“There’s athletic fees that are covering revenue,” Diaz told the Pensacola News Journal. “There’s a lot of new donor interests, a lot of corporate donations… and the stadium obviously helps with that because we’re just going to have a place to have those donors participate.
Once UWF officially applies and is approved to join Division I, it will be part of a consortium between the ASUN and UAC. The alliance, which starts July 1, will allow the conference to “support collaborative scheduling, shared operational efficiencies and expanded competition opportunities,” according to a press release.
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“From an academic standpoint, from a competitive standpoint athletically, the institutional profile fits our profile,” consortium chair Jeff Bacon told the News Journal. “The location, Pensacola, we pride ourselves on being a house of destinations and Pensacola is definitely a destination.”
