Missouri State to leave MVC, join Conference USA in 2025
Conference USA has announced a new member will be joining their team, and it’s the Missouri State Bears.
Formerly part of the Missouri Valley Conference, Missouri State will begin transitioning to Conference USA for their arrival date of July 1, 2025. They’ll play one final season with the MVC, and then be on their way to Conference USA.
The official announcement was made on Friday, with Conference USA sharing a graphic to X, formerly known as Twitter, and adding a press release, as well.
“Conference USA announces Missouri State will join the league on July 1, 2025, bringing the conference’s membership to 12 universities,” a press release from Conference USA read.
Moreover, Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod provided a statement on the matter, adding how excited the conference is to add the Bears to their group of programs.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Missouri State University as the 12th member of Conference USA,” said MacLeod. “The institution boasts a great tradition in athletics and academics that will strengthen and further position our membership for long term success in the national landscape.
“We look forward to our partnership with President Clif Smart, incoming President Dr. Biff Williams, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats, and their entire leadership team.”
Additionally, MSU president Clif Smart also provided some insight, giving the MVC some love while adding some praise to Conference USA ahead of the Bears’ move in 2025.
“This is an exciting day for Missouri State,” said Smart. “The opportunities associated with membership in an FBS conference allows us to continue to expand as a university and raise our reputation to the next level.
“We have valued our membership in the Missouri Valley Conference – a premier conference in the NCAA — and look forward to a final year in the league before we transition to CUSA.”
Missouri State will look to bring the same tenacity and professionalism they’ve displayed throughout their time in the MVC to CUSA. It’s certainly going to be a change, but it’s one the Bears are ready for.
“We are so excited for the opportunities that CUSA membership will bring to our university, our student-athletes, our coaches and our fans,” added MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. “This move represents a transition to a national brand and a platform that will help raise the profile of Missouri State University and the city of Springfield.
“The steps we have taken over the past 15 years to invest in a successful broad-based athletics program have prepared us for this long-awaited moment.”
Missouri State will have one more year left if the Missouri Valley Conference, but they’ll have an eye on 2025 and their move to Conference USA, as the Bears will enter a new era next season.