SFU to review independent consultant’s report on competitive athletic frameworks

Simon Fraser University has received an independent consultant’s report outlining the impacts of transferring out of the NCAA and into a Canadian competitive athletic framework. The report will now be reviewed, along with other data, and a decision on whether SFU should continue to apply to re-join U Sports will be made by the end of the month.

Compiled by Bob Copeland, senior vice-president of McLaren Global Sport Solutions, the report will help the university understand the impacts on student-athletes, other stakeholders and athletics operations should SFU continue to move forward with its application to compete in a Canadian competitive framework.

The report was made public at 10 a.m. today and can be found here: https://www.mclarenglobalsportsolutions.com/pdf/SFU_CompetitiveStructures_FINAL_17Nov2025.pdf

We recognize and regret the impact that this process—and the uncertainty it creates—has had on our student-athletes.  

At SFU we are deeply committed to providing excellent opportunities for student-athletes to excel academically, athletically, and personally. Our vision is to build community, inspire champions, and pursue wellbeing.

This decision is complex and will be aligned with SFU values and based on what is best for the university. The executive will consider several factors, including the independent consultant’s report, non-sport-related impacts of competing in the U.S., feedback from the SFU community, student-athletes, and the sporting community, and financial implications.

The university thanks Bob Copeland for his professionalism and outstanding work, which included extensive consultation with student-athletes, coaches and sport leaders across the country. 

We'd also like to thank our great partners in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for their ongoing support during this complicated process.