CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Last summer, it was announced that the Atlantic Sun and the Western Athletic Conference would be forming a “groundbreaking strategic alliance.” This would involve the Western Athletic Conference rebranding as the United Athletic Conference and forming a consortium with the ASUN, effective July 2026.
Austin Peay State University has been participating in the ASUN for all non-football sports, and in the UAC for football. Now, the Govs will play in the UAC in all sports while still maintaining matchups against ASUN teams.
As we get closer to the July deadline, more details are coming out. Recently, the consortium announced the launch of Unisun Sports. An official press release defines Unisun Sports as “a groundbreaking joint venture built to support the strategic alliance between both conferences that reflects a shared commitment to creating what’s next in collegiate athletics through strength and innovation.”
Unisun Sports will be a way for teams in the ASUN and UAC to share resources, enhance revenue, and create scheduling alliances. Current ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon will become the Chief Executive Officer for Unisun Sports.
“The future belongs to those willing to innovate collectively,” said Bacon. “By leveraging the Unisun Sports model, we are pooling our resources to elevate competition, generate new revenues, and create sustainable, long-term opportunities for our institutions. The ASUN and the UAC aren’t just reacting to the industry; we are defining what’s next in our industry.”
How Unisun Sports move affects Austin Peay athletics
For Austin Peay football fans, not much will change. The Govs will still have conference games against the opponents we’ve grown accustomed to seeing, such as Tarleton State, Abilene Christian and Eastern Kentucky.
The main difference, however, will be in the other sports. Now, the Govs will be in the same conference as the UAC teams in all sports, not just football. For example, the Govs will still play teams like Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast in basketball, but they will no longer be conference games.
“The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, and collaboration is more important than ever. Our involvement with the Unisun Sports joint venture reflects Austin Peay’s commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and partnership within the UAC,” Austin Peay Athletic Director Jordan Harmon said about the move. “Together, we are creating a stronger foundation for sustained success and establishing ourselves as a premier destination at the mid-major and FCS levels.”
For football, the UAC will boast the following member schools: Austin Peay, Abilene Christian, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Tarleton State, West Florida and West Georgia. UT Arlington and Little Rock are the non-football-playing schools in the UAC.
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