The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) are forming a strategic alliance starting in July 2026, with WAC rebranding as the United Athletic Conference (UAC). The alliance aims to enhance operational efficiency, collaboration, and geographic footprint, while maintaining independent conference structures and NCAA automatic qualifiers. The partnership involves shared resources, scheduling, and innovation to support member institutions and student-athletes.
Desireé Reed-Francois has been appointed as the new Director of Athletics at the University of Arizona, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. She brings extensive experience from her previous roles at the University of Missouri and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is known for her success in fundraising, relationship building, and enhancing student-athlete welfare. Reed-Francois, who will start her tenure on March 3, has a strong financial acumen and a proven track record of transforming athletic departments into high-performing, cost-effective operations.
