Missouri State University in Springfield has announced its decision to leave the Missouri Valley Conference and join Conference USA as a full-league member, starting on July 1, 2025. This move will officially place the university in the NCAA’s exclusive Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the first time.
According to Missouri State’s athletic director, Kyle Moats, the university believes that this change will bring a higher profile, more exposure, and brand awareness to both the institution and its student athletes. Missouri State will become the 12th full-time member of CUSA, joining schools like Florida International University, Liberty University, and Western Kentucky University.
The Bears will compete in various sports in CUSA, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and more. However, men’s soccer and swimming and diving are currently not part of CUSA’s sport sponsorship profile. Moats stated that they will have more information about these sports in the coming months, and their initial thought is to potentially stay in the Valley or explore other conferences for these sports.
Missouri State’s move to Conference USA is set to bring new opportunities for the university’s athletic programs and enhance their competitiveness on a larger stage. With this change, Missouri State looks forward to showcasing its athletic talent and building a stronger presence in collegiate sports.
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