Hailey
At the stroke of midnight on July 1, 2025, Missouri State University officially transitioned into Conference USA (CUSA), marking a monumental shift in the university’s athletic history.
This move also signifies Missouri State’s entry into the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the first time ever.
\The Bears join Delaware as the newest CUSA members, bringing the total number of FBS programs across the nation to 136.
University Leaders Celebrate the Milestone
“This is a historic moment for the entire Missouri State community,” said Patrick Ransdell, Director of Athletics.
“Becoming a full member of Conference USA opens the door to fresh competition, stronger branding opportunities, and greater regional and national visibility. This is not just a win for our student-athletes and fans, but also for Springfield and the Ozarks as a whole.”
Judy MacLeod, CUSA Commissioner, echoed the excitement, stating: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Delaware and Missouri State to the league. Their legacy of academic and athletic achievement fits perfectly with our commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence.”
From Announcement to Admission
The official invitation for Missouri State to join Conference USA was accepted on May 10, 2024, during a press conference held at Great Southern Bank Arena.
Headquartered in Dallas, CUSA now boasts a roster of 12 member schools, including:
- Delaware
- FIU
- Jacksonville State
- Kennesaw State
- Liberty
- Louisiana Tech
- Middle Tennessee
- Missouri State
- New Mexico State
- Sam Houston
- UTEP
- WKU
Full Sports Integration with CUSA
Missouri State’s full CUSA membership extends to a variety of sports, including:
- Football
- Baseball
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Women’s Cross Country
- Men’s and Women’s Golf
- Women’s Soccer
- Softball
- Women’s Tennis
- Women’s Track and Field
- Volleyball
The beach volleyball team, which had been participating as a CUSA affiliate, will also receive full league membership starting this season.
Affiliate Sports and Other Conferences
Five additional sports will continue under affiliate memberships with other athletic conferences:
- Men’s Soccer – American Athletic Conference
- Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving – Missouri Valley Conference
- Acrobatics & Tumbling – Independent
- STUNT – Mid-America West Conference
Celebrating CUSA Day: July 1 Local Promotions
To commemorate Missouri State’s official entry into CUSA, several local businesses and organizations are offering exclusive “CUSA Day” deals:
- Mercy Hospital: Distributing Future Bear onesies to all babies born on July 1
- Big Shots Golf: Offering $1 MoState beer specials
- IHOP: Providing 20% off coupons through the athletics website
- Dickerson Park Zoo: $2 off admission for guests in BearWear
- Orange Leaf: Buy one, get one free yogurt during College Night every Tuesday
Upcoming Campus Event: “Party in the CUSA”
A large-scale celebration, aptly titled “Party in the CUSA,” is set to take place on Tuesday, August 26, on the Missouri State campus.
This free event is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. in BearFest Village, located just north of the stadium and adjacent to McDonald Arena and Trottier Plaza.
The evening will feature:
- Live music and entertainment
- Games and food trucks
- Coach and team meet-and-greets
- A free movie screening under the stars at Plaster Stadium
About Conference USA (CUSA)
Conference USA is a distinguished NCAA Division I athletic conference known for promoting competitive excellence, academic integrity, and strategic leadership.
Established in 1995 and headquartered in Dallas, CUSA is home to 12 institutions committed to student-athlete success and dynamic sportsmanship across the U.S.
Missouri State’s Athletic Legacy: A Timeline
Missouri State University has a deep-rooted athletic history stretching back over a century. Here’s a chronological overview:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1905 | Founded as Missouri State Normal School, Fourth District |
| 1908 | Launched first intercollegiate teams in football and men’s basketball |
| 1912 | Joined Missouri state athletic conference (precursor to “old MIAA”) |
| 1924 | Helped form the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) |
| 1937 | Entered NAIB, forerunner of the NAIA |
| 1956 | Transitioned from NAIA to NCAA College Division |
| 1971 | Joined the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) |
| 1981 | Joined Mid-Continent Conference, began NCAA Division I transition |
| 1982 | Co-founded AMCU and Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference |
| 1982 | Joined NCAA Division I-AA for football |
| 1985 | Gateway added football as Mid-Continent Conference dissolved |
| 1990 | Moved to Missouri Valley Conference for men’s sports |
| 1992 | Gateway and Missouri Valley Conference merged for women’s sports |
| 2005 | Renamed from Southwest Missouri State to Missouri State University |
| 2008 | Gateway renamed as Missouri Valley Football Conference |
| 2024 | Accepted invitation to join Conference USA (effective July 1, 2025) |
The move to Conference USA represents a transformative step for Missouri State University, opening new avenues for competition, visibility, and community engagement.
From expanding its athletic reach to energizing local fans and businesses, this transition positions Missouri State to thrive in the national spotlight.
As the Bears enter the FBS era, all eyes are on Springfield to lead with pride, performance, and passion.