Sports

Desmond Bane 2025

Desmond Bane is one of the NBA’s most exciting young stars, known for his sharp shooting, relentless work ethic, and steady rise from a late first-round pick to a franchise cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies. Fans love his energy, his leadership on and off the court, and the way he’s turned doubters into believers. In […]

Published

2 months ago

May 4, 2025

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In just a few years, Bane has gone from a promising rookie to one of the highest-paid players in Grizzlies history, all while staying grounded and focused on his family and community.

Desmond Bane’s Biography

Detail	Information
Full Name	Desmond Michael Bane
Date of Birth	June 25, 1998
Age	26
Education	Texas Christian University (TCU)
Nationality	American
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight	215 lbs (98 kg)
Turned Pro	2020
Net Worth	$15–20 million
Salary/Career Earnings	$43,950,173
Wife/Girlfriend	Tatum Talley
Children	Son: Armani Jordan Bane
Instagram Profile	@dbane0625
Twitter Profile	@DBane0625

Early Career

Desmond Bane’s story begins in Richmond, Indiana, where he was raised by his great-grandparents, Bob and Fabbie Bane. Growing up, Desmond was surrounded by a supportive family environment that helped shape his character and work ethic. His early years were filled with sports, and he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in baseball and football before focusing on basketball during high school.

At Seton Catholic High School, Bane quickly made a name for himself. He was a scoring machine, setting the Wayne County record with over 1,900 career points. His senior year was especially memorable, as he averaged an impressive 30 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 blocks per game.

Bane’s ability to fill up the stat sheet made him a standout, but he still faced the challenge of being overlooked by major college basketball programs. Despite his high school success, he didn’t receive a flood of scholarship offers, but that didn’t stop him.

Bane eventually committed to Texas Christian University (TCU), where he played for the Horned Frogs from 2016 to 2020. At TCU, he continued to prove himself, showing steady improvement each season.

As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, but it was his leadership and consistency that truly set him apart. By his senior year, Bane was not only the team’s leading scorer but also one of the best players in the Big 12 Conference.

His senior season at TCU was a turning point. Bane averaged 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 44.2% from three-point range.

His all-around game and ability to perform under pressure earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and recognition as one of the top shooters in college basketball. Bane’s performance in college caught the eye of NBA scouts, and he became known for his high basketball IQ, strong defense, and unselfish play.

Professional Career

Desmond Bane’s NBA career began in the 2020–21 season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Right from the start, he made an impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

In his rookie season, Bane averaged 9.2 points per game and shot an outstanding 43.2% from three-point range. His shooting ability quickly became his calling card, and he established himself as one of the league’s top young sharpshooters.

Bane’s role with the Grizzlies grew rapidly. In his second season, he took a significant leap, averaging 18.2 points per game and again shooting over 43% from deep. His scoring, combined with his improved defense and playmaking, made him an essential part of Memphis’s young core.

Bane’s work ethic was evident to teammates and coaches alike, and he became known for his dedication to improving every aspect of his game.

The 2022–23 season was a breakout year for Bane. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting nearly 48% from the field and over 40% from three-point range.

Bane’s ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways made him a nightmare for defenders. He also showed leadership qualities, helping to guide a young Grizzlies team through a competitive Western Conference.

Bane’s playoff performances further cemented his reputation as a rising star. He had several standout games, including a 34-point effort against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022 playoffs. His confidence and poise in big moments made him a go-to option for the Grizzlies when the stakes were highest.

Off the court, Bane has been active in the Memphis community, hosting youth basketball camps and participating in charity events. He’s known for his humility and willingness to give back, never forgetting the support he received growing up in Indiana.

Wife

Desmond Bane is married to Tatum Talley. The couple tied the knot in a beautiful beach ceremony in Mexico, one of their favorite vacation destinations, in September 2024.

Desmond Bane his wife Tatum Talley

Their wedding was described as a weekend of relaxed elegance, attended by close friends and family.

Tatum Talley is originally from Texas and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Texas Christian University (TCU). She is the daughter of Lisa Tuttle Talley and the late Charles Sean Talley, and she grew up in Rhome, Texas, near Fort Worth.

Tatum is a well-known yoga instructor and fitness guru, with a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she has garnered tens of thousands of followers and millions of views. After starting her career in Texas, she now works in Memphis, Tennessee.

Desmond and Tatum have known each other for several years, with speculation that they met while attending TCU, though the exact details of how they met remain private. They began sharing their relationship publicly in 2021 and have since become a prominent couple among NBA fans. Tatum is known for being supportive of Desmond’s basketball career, often seen cheering him on at games and sharing glimpses of their life together online.

Desmond Bane’s Net Worth Details

Desmond Bane’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 and $20 million as of 2025.

Contract

Desmond Bane signed a five-year, $207 million maximum contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies, making it the largest contract in the franchise’s history. This fully guaranteed deal began with the 2024–25 NBA season and will keep Bane with the Grizzlies through the 2028–29 season.

The contract features escalating annual salaries, reflecting his growing role and value to the team. By securing this extension, the Grizzlies showed their commitment to Bane as a cornerstone of their future, rewarding his consistent performance, leadership, and impact both on and off the court.

Salary

For the 2024–25 NBA season, Desmond Bane is earning a base salary of $34,005,250 with the Memphis Grizzlies, making him one of the highest-paid players on the team.

His salary will increase each year under his five-year, $197 million contract extension, with projected earnings of $36,725,670 in 2025–26, $39,446,090 in 2026–27, $42,166,510 in 2027–28, and $44,886,930 in 2028–29.

This contract is fully guaranteed and reflects Bane’s status as a franchise cornerstone, with his average annual salary coming in at about $39.4 million over the life of the deal.

Career Earnings

Season	Age	Team	Salary	Cumulative Career Earnings
2020–21	22	Memphis Grizzlies	$1,936,440	$1,936,440
2021–22	23	Memphis Grizzlies	$2,033,160	$3,969,600
2022–23	24	Memphis Grizzlies	$2,130,240	$6,099,840
2023–24	25	Memphis Grizzlies	$3,845,083	$9,944,923
2024–25	26	Memphis Grizzlies	$34,005,250	$43,950,173
2025–26	27	Memphis Grizzlies	$36,725,670	$80,675,843
2026–27	28	Memphis Grizzlies	$39,446,090	$120,121,933
2027–28	29	Memphis Grizzlies	$42,166,510	$162,288,443
2028–29	30	Memphis Grizzlies	$44,886,930	$207,175,373

Endorsements

Desmond Bane’s endorsement portfolio has grown steadily as his NBA career has taken off. In 2022, he partnered with Naturade, a health and wellness company known for its plant-based protein products, joining other notable ambassadors like Magic Johnson and Grant Hill. This partnership highlights Bane’s commitment to fitness and nutrition, both on and off the court.

In late 2024, Bane signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, further boosting his profile in the sports world. His AAU program, Baneville Academy, also joined Nike’s Junior EYBL circuit, blending his passion for youth mentorship with his growing brand presence.

Additionally, Bane has appeared in local Memphis ads, especially those related to wellness and performance gear. By 2025, industry insiders estimate his annual endorsement earnings to be between $500,000 and $1 million, with expectations for further growth as his star continues to rise.

NBA Career Stats

Season	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2020–21	Memphis Grizzlies	68	17	22.3	.469	.432	.816	3.1	1.7	0.6	0.2	9.2
2021–22	Memphis Grizzlies	76	76	29.8	.461	.436	.903	4.4	2.7	1.2	0.4	18.2
2022–23	Memphis Grizzlies	58	58	31.7	.479	.408	.883	5.0	4.4	1.0	0.4	21.5
2023–24	Memphis Grizzlies	42	42	34.4	.464	.381	.870	4.4	5.5	1.0	0.5	23.7
2024–25	Memphis Grizzlies	49	48	31.2	.490	.378	.884	6.0	6.4	1.2	0.4	18.6
Career		293	241	29.3	.472	.409	.880	4.5	3.7	1.0	0.4	17.6

FAQs

1. Who is Desmond Bane?

Desmond Bane is an American professional basketball player born on June 25, 1998, in Richmond, Indiana. He plays as a shooting guard and small forward for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He is known for his shooting ability and defensive skills.

2. What college did Desmond Bane attend, and what were his achievements there?

Desmond Bane attended Texas Christian University (TCU) from 2016 to 2020. He was named First-Team All-Big 12 in his senior year and finished his college career with averages of 16.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his final season.

3. When was Desmond Bane drafted into the NBA, and by which team?

Desmond Bane was selected with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. He was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he began his NBA career.

4. What are Desmond Bane’s career highlights in the NBA so far?

Desmond Bane was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after his first season. He set the Grizzlies’ franchise record for most three-pointers in a season and led the team in scoring during several key playoff games.

5. What is Desmond Bane’s current contract and salary with the Memphis Grizzlies?

Desmond Bane signed a five-year, $197.2 million contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. For the 2024-25 season, his base salary is $34,005,250, with the contract fully guaranteed and running through the 2028-29 season.

6. How has Desmond Bane performed statistically in the NBA?

Desmond Bane has consistently improved each season. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 23.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Over his NBA career, he has maintained strong shooting percentages and has become a reliable scorer and playmaker.

7. What is Desmond Bane’s family background?

Desmond Bane was raised in Richmond, Indiana, primarily by his great-grandparents. His mother, Marissa, and his sister were also important in his upbringing. He is married to Tatum Talley, and they have a son named Armani, born in 2022.

8. What is Desmond Bane’s net worth and endorsement deals?

Desmond Bane’s estimated net worth is around $11 million. He has endorsement deals, including one with Naturade, and his earnings are expected to grow with his new contract.

9. What are some of Desmond Bane’s notable records or achievements with the Memphis Grizzlies?

Desmond Bane holds the Grizzlies’ single-season record for most three-pointers made, surpassing the previous record held by Mike Miller. He also set a team record for most three-pointers in a single postseason series.

10. What was Desmond Bane’s journey to the NBA like?

Desmond Bane excelled at Seton Catholic High School, setting a county scoring record. Despite limited attention from major college programs, he thrived at TCU, earning conference honors and catching NBA scouts’ attention, which led to his first-round selection and successful NBA career.

Sports

10 Bears named to CSC Track & Field Academic All-District Team

Story Links Women’s Academic All-District Teams Men’s Academic All-District Teams HICKORY, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Track & Field Teams have placed a total of 10 individuals on the CSC Academic All-District Team, with five coming from the men’s side and […]

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4 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

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HICKORY, N.C. – The Lenoir-Rhyne Track & Field Teams have placed a total of 10 individuals on the CSC Academic All-District Team, with five coming from the men’s side and five from the women’s.

The 2025 Academic All-District® Men’s Track & Field teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, in the field, and in the classroom.

Individuals named on the men’s side were Malachi Carter, Jacob Parkinson, Steven Phan, Isaac Riggs, and Liam Sutton. Being named on the women’s side were Elizabeth Kessler, Miranda Marr, Savannah Nippa, Damyja Ortiz, and Kimberley Owens.

Due to their combined performances on the track and in the classroom, Marr and Ortiz have been named finalists for the Academic All-American ballot, which will be announced on July 15th.

Eligible nominees were be based off TFRRS regional performance rankings at the time of nomination. Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. An undergraduate student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). A graduate student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as both an undergraduate and a grad student unless they are in their first semester as a graduate student and don’t have an established graduate GPA. The cumulative grade point average may not be rounded up to 3.50.

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Sports

Volleyball Releases Complete 2025 Schedule

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama volleyball announced its complete 2025 schedule Thursday, as head coach Rashinda Reed enters her fourth season at the helm of the Crimson Tide. In addition to the SEC slate that was released in April, the Crimson Tide’s schedule includes two home tournaments as well as a pair of road trips to […]

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5 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama volleyball announced its complete 2025 schedule Thursday, as head coach Rashinda Reed enters her fourth season at the helm of the Crimson Tide.

In addition to the SEC slate that was released in April, the Crimson Tide’s schedule includes two home tournaments as well as a pair of road trips to Chattanooga and North Alabama. A midweek matchup against Wake Forest on Sept. 10 will also serve as part of the inaugural Showdown at the Net series between the SEC and the ACC.

Television broadcast information will be announced at a later date. All game dates and times are subject to change.

2025 ALABAMA VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 29 vs. UNC Asheville – 12:30 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 29 vs. Jacksonville – 7 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 30 vs. UAB – 3 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 5 at Chattanooga – 5 p.m. CT – Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sept. 6 vs. Cincinnati – 2 p.m. CT – Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sept. 10 vs. Wake Forest (Showdown at the Net) – 5 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 13 vs. Western Carolina – 1 p.m. CT – Florence, Ala.

Sept. 14 at North Alabama – TBD – Florence, Ala.

Sept. 18 vs. Memphis – 6 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 20 vs. UCF – 5 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sept. 26 at Auburn – 6 p.m. CT – Auburn, Ala.

Sept. 28 at Florida – 12 p.m. CT – Gainesville, Fla.

Oct. 3 at Mississippi State – 6 p.m. CT – Starkville, Miss.

Oct. 5 vs. Texas A&M – 2 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 10 vs. LSU – 5 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 12 vs. Texas – 2 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 17 at Georgia – 6 p.m. CT – Athens, Ga.

Oct. 19 at South Carolina – TBD – Columbia, S.C.

Oct. 24 vs. Tennessee – 6 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 26 vs. Kentucky – 2 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Oct. 31 at Ole Miss – TBD – Oxford, Miss.

Nov. 5 at Arkansas – 6 p.m. CT – Fayetteville, Ark.

Nov. 7 at Oklahoma – TBD – Norman, Okla.

Nov. 14 vs. Vanderbilt – 6 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Nov. 16 vs. Missouri – 2 p.m. CT – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Nov. 21-25 at SEC Tournament (Savannah, Ga.)

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Sports

MIAC honors winter/spring student-athletes with Academic All-Conference distinction

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Student-athletes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) continue to achieve in both competition and the classroom. On Thursday, the MIAC announced its 2024-25 Winter and Spring Academic All-Conference honorees, including 1,418 student-athletes. Combined with the 870 fall-sport athletes honored in January, the overall total of Academic All-MIAC selections for the 2024-25 […]

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23 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Student-athletes in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) continue to achieve in both competition and the classroom.

On Thursday, the MIAC announced its 2024-25 Winter and Spring Academic All-Conference honorees, including 1,418 student-athletes. Combined with the 870 fall-sport athletes honored in January, the overall total of Academic All-MIAC selections for the 2024-25 academic year sets a new Conference high of 2,288, surpassing the previous record of 2,135, established last June.

The latest Academic All-Conference list spotlights more than 1,400 examples of student-athletes achieving excellence without compromise. This is the fourth consecutive June in which the MIAC’s overall Academic All-Conference list has exceeded 2,000 student-athletes. Seven sports matched or broke their single-season records, including men’s track & field (203), baseball (168), softball (127), men’s hockey (116), women’s basketball (85), men’s swimming & diving (65), and women’s golf (49).

Additional sport totals included women’s track & field (214), women’s swimming & diving (102), women’s hockey (95), women’s tennis (66), men’s tennis (54), men’s basketball (47), and men’s golf (27). For the full 2024-25 academic year, eleven MIAC sports matched or surpassed their single-season Academic All-Conference record, while six more finished within single digits of their all-time high.

To qualify for Academic All-MIAC status, student-athletes must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors by academic standards with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students must also complete one full-time academic year at their current institution before becoming eligible for the honor. An athlete must be a member of a MIAC-sponsored varsity sports team, be academically and athletically eligible, have utilized a season of participation per NCAA and MIAC definitions, and have remained on the sports roster through the conclusion of the sports season to be eligible for Academic All-Conference honors.

The 2024-25 MIAC Academic All-Conference honorees can be found here, listed alphabetically by sport and then by institution. To see all-time honorees, please visit the MIAC Academic All-Conference archives.

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Sports

WPVC 17 Armour Black wins AAU girls volleyball championship

When Amber McClain dove face-first into an aluminum bleacher to save one point during the championship match in the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships, she illustrated perfectly (and dangerously) just how determined the Winter Park Volleyball Club 17 Armour Black team was to win a national title for the first time. Spectators in the […]

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24 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

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Spectators in the stands gasped when the Winter Park High rising senior leaped over a soft padded barrier to punch the ball back into the court before crashing onto the bottom-row seating. She didn’t cry. She didn’t stop. She popped back up to her feet and scurried back onto the court to help finish the point, then staggered to the bench to be attended to by an athletic trainer at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

“All I was thinking about was keeping the point alive,” McClain said afterward. “And keeping us on track for the national championship.”

Mission accomplished.

McClain had a battle-wound bandage on her forehead when she returned to play. She wore a big smile and later a gold medal as one of the 10 girls on WPVCs 17 Open AAU title team.

Winter Park was leading 17-12 in the second set when McClain made her crash landing. WVCA finished a 25-21, 25-20 Tuesday victory over Far Out 17 of Grand Rapids, Michigan. That secured the first AAU girls Open division championship for a club born in 2011 as a little sister to established Orlando area travel team programs such as Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy, Top Select and Game Point Volleyball.

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WPVC 2025 17 Armour Black player Amelia Mancino, (5) spikes the ball during the AAU Girls Volleyball Nationals Tournament in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

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WPVC, armed with five members of the Winter Park High team that won the Class 7A state championship in November, went 11-0 over four days to make history.

McClain’s fearless dive was part of a surge WPVC delivered after trailing 7-4 in Game 2. The comeback began with Winter Park High’s Amelia Mancino running off six service points — three on ace serves and three on attacks by Isabella Umpierre, another WPHS standout.

“We came in wanting to win it all and this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” Umpierre said after the championship match.

The WPVC squad started Tuesday with a 2-0 win against Illini Elite of Illinois and then scored a nail-biting 25-23, 26-24 semifinal victory against perennial power Sports Performance of Illinois. SPVB (11-1) built big leads in both sets before succumbing to WPVC’s resolve.

The Winter Park club was down 14-6 in the first set before going on a 9-1 spree that included a stuff block by Katelyn Landis (West Orange High) and crucial kills by McClain and lethal lefthander Umpierre off sets by Elle Mottola (Boone).

Sports Performance went back ahead 22-20 on two big blocks. WPVC again had the answer. Paige Lehman (Winter Park) dove for two digs that led to a kill by Umpierre, McClain scored on a quick set by Mottola, and Mancino (Winter Park) ended the game with a kill.

WPVC trailed 15-10 in the second set but chipped its way back to a 21-21 tie and went ahead 23-22 on a block by Maddey Cruse (Lake Mary Prep). A Mancino dig forced a SPVB error for a 24-22 lead and Winter Park completed its championship run with an emphatic stuff-block by Umpierre, a 5-foot-10 hitter.

Umpierre, Mancino and Mottola were selected to the 14-player tournament All-American team.

“We’re a family. To do this together is amazing,” said Mottola.

She joined WPVC as a 10-and-under player, as did Lehman and Mancino. Others signed up as the program continued its climb.

Defensive specialist Isabel Bertelsen (Winter Park) and Landis were the first off the bench for a team that includes Gwenyth Berry (Horizon) and Cassidy Flakes (West Orange).

Winter Park overcomes Kissimmee Osceola to reach 7A girls volleyball final

WPVC players who have committed to colleges are Berry (Citadel), Bertelsen (Oregon State), Cruse (Embry-Riddle), Mancino (Appalachian State), Mottola (Arizona State) and Umpierre (UC-Davis).

WPVC beat teams with better-rated prospects to take the title. They did the same while winning a USA Volleyball 17 Open qualifier tournament in Salt Lake City in April — a feat Jackson said was “a huge deal”. Next up is the USA Volleyball 17 Open national tournament, which tips off Monday and runs through July 3 in Dallas.

The WPVC 16 Armour Black team tied for fifth in the AAU 16 Open division with a 9-2 record. Jordyn Lehman, a Winter Park HIgh defensive standout heading into her junior year, was picked to the All-American team.

“Both these teams have cemented a history for WPVC,”: said Matthew Jackson, who was head coach for both the 16s and 17s. “They love to compete. And to see how they’ve bought into each other over these years has been so great.”

Jackson, a former Ocoee high player and West Orange’s head coach for the past two seasons, is leaving the Warriors and WPVC, where he has coached since 2014. After leading West Orange to a 16-5 district title season he landed an assistant coaching job at Michigan State, starting July 7.

His top assistant, Wylie Devlin, is a former Winter Park High multi-sport star who played volleyball collegiately at USF.

The Game Point 17 Rox team went 10-1 and tied for fifth in the 17 Open bracket. Its only loss was vs. Far Out 25-21, 17-25, 15-9 in a quarterfinal. Kissimmee Osceola teammates Jordin Southall and Cate Palmi joined Innovation’s Aylani Correa as standouts for the GP squad coached by Sindee Snow.

The 52nd AAU nationals continues with boys play beginning Monday and running through July 7. The WPVC 17 Armour Black boys are one of the favorites in the 17 Open competition (Monday through July 3).

Winter Park Volleyball Club seeks ‘unprecedented’ title in AAU Nationals | Varsity Weekly

Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.

Originally Published: June 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT

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Sports

ASUN-UAC TO CREATE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN 2026

Story Links CONWAY, Ark. _ The Atlantic Sun Conference announced today a groundbreaking strategic alliance creating a consortium of two conferences (Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conference), bringing together three Texas universities which are currently part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) with the five football-playing ASUN schools to create an all-sports […]

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28 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

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CONWAY, Ark. _ The Atlantic Sun Conference announced today a groundbreaking strategic alliance creating a consortium of two conferences (Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conference), bringing together three Texas universities which are currently part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) with the five football-playing ASUN schools to create an all-sports United Athletic Conference beginning July 1, 2026.

The WAC announced Wednesday that Southern Utah and Utah Tech will be leaving the conference to join the Big Sky Conference, effective July 1, 2026, leaving UT Arlington, Abilene Christian and Tarleton State as the only three full members of the WAC. ACU and Tarleton State were already competing in the football-only incarnation of the UAC.

The new alliance is expected to strengthen and improve operational efficiency across both conferences and across the university campuses. It will create new growth opportunities across the southeast, and position both conferences for continued success in the future. The consortium will be led by current ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon, who will serve as its Executive Director, providing experienced leadership for this new venture. Current WAC Commissioner, Rebekah Ray, will assume a leadership role within the consortium.

“The landscape of collegiate athletics has changed rapidly in recent years, and this strategic alliance creates innovative opportunities for collaboration and increased efficiencies for all of the institutions involved,” said Matt Whiting, UCA director of athletics. “I am excited for what this means for the University of Central Arkansas and our Athletics Department as we enter a new era of college athletics.”

“As we navigate the changing world of collegiate athletics, I am excited about the opportunities presented in this strategic alliance and further strengthening our partnership and future with our current United Athletic Conference peers,” said UCA President Dr. Houston Davis. “This alliance positions the University of Central Arkansas well geographically, creating greater experiences for our student-athletes and fans.”

In 2026, the WAC will rebrand to the United Athletic Conference (UAC), which is the brand currently used to recognize the ASUN-WAC Football Alliance. This rebrand will better recognize the new membership composition of the Conference with all seven (7) UAC football-playing members housed within one conference, and the shift in geographic footprint.

The UAC will welcome new members Austin Peay State University, the University of Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky University, the University of North Alabama and the University of West Georgia. The addition of five football-playing members (identified above) will bring total UAC membership to 8 members, including 7 football-playing members along with UT Arlington.

Remaining ASUN membership will include Bellarmine University; Florida Gulf Coast University; Jacksonville University; Lipscomb University; the University of North Florida; Queens University of Charlotte, and Stetson University.

Both the ASUN and the UAC will continue to operate separate championships as independent conferences. Championship formats and locations will be determined at a later date for sports that are not already contracted. The ASUN basketball tournament will remain in Jacksonville, Fla., and the UAC basketball tournament location is to be determined.

The UAC and the ASUN will remain independent conferences, each with their own automatic qualifiers (AQ’s) for NCAA postseason play. Both conferences will also continue to meet the NCAA sport sponsorship and membership standards. Membership will continue to be a top priority for both conferences. Through the President’s leadership the Consortium will evaluate potential opportunities for growth and best alignment of Institutions.

Sport sponsorship for the conferences will be as follows:

ASUN:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swim & Dive and Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field

• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swim & Dive, Tennis, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field and Volleyball

UAC:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Football, Tennis and Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field

• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field and Volleyball

“As many in the media and the public have mentioned, and as many other Division I conferences have discussed, the Division I Conference membership landscape at our level has become unsustainable and confusing,” the ASUN said. “We now have conferences that stretch from coast to coast, and conference membership often consists of a mix of football and non-football playing member institutions, public and private institutions, or institutions whose geography does not align well.

“In addition, conferences and institutions are looking for ways to reduce or streamline expenses, unlock new revenue streams, forge scheduling alliances, and prepare for the modern world of intercollegiate athletics.

“Through the formation of a consortium, this alliance allows two similarly situated conferences to partner together to resolve many of these challenges at once: better aligning our membership; reducing expenses; collectively leveraging assets such as media rights; providing members of both conferences games

and home games in multiple sports; and situating both conferences for streamlined decision making.”

“This is not a merger, but a forward-thinking alliance. We are proactively building a modern structure for intercollegiate athletics that benefits everyone involved. This alliance provides great leverage for two conferences and long-term stability amongst like-minded and similarly situated institutions.”

ASUN RELEASE

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Sports

Quarles and Vukelja Earn Men’s Track & Field CSC Academic All-District Honor

Story Links The 2025 Academic All-District Men’s Track & Field Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), were announced on Tuesday. The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Carlos Quarles and Nikola Vukelja were recognized as Academic District honorees. Carlos […]

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51 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The 2025 Academic All-District Men’s Track & Field Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), were announced on Tuesday. The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Carlos Quarles and Nikola Vukelja were recognized as Academic District honorees.

Carlos Quarles, Second Year, Tampa, Florida