Little Rock Trojans to join United Athletic Conference

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announced that the Trojans will join the United Athletic Conference on July 1, 2026, marking a historic step for the program.

According to a spokesperson, the move was approved unanimously by the University of Arkansas System’s Board of Trustees, UA Little Rock Chancellor Dr. Christina Drale and Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo.

Thirteen of Little Rock’s 15 sports programs will compete in the UAC, with women’s swimming & diving joining the ASUN as an affiliate and wrestling remaining in the Pac-12, officials said.

“This affiliation will elevate the visibility of Trojan Athletics and position us well in a growth-oriented organization,” said Drale. “The UAC gives our student-athletes the chance to compete at a high level while proudly representing Little Rock on a national stage.”

“The addition of Little Rock bolsters an already impressive lineup of institutions within the new United Athletic Conference,” said consortium Executive Director Jeff Bacon. “Little Rock’s impressive academic and athletic track record, its leadership’s commitment to all sports including men’s and women’s basketball, and the expansion of our presence into Little Rock bring significant value to our membership as we build a new model for Division I athletics.”

Little Rock will reunite with rivals including in-state Central Arkansas and former Sun Belt member UT Arlington, officials said.

Trojan Athletics have won 11 conference championships over the past two seasons, including the 2024 OVC Commissioner’s Cup, and earned four NCAA wrestling All-America honors. Student-athletes also posted a cumulative GPA of 3.43 in 2024–25, maintaining team GPAs of 3.0 or higher for 24 consecutive semesters, officials said.

The university announced a celebration event, “Trojans United,” scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Jack Stephens Center rotunda, with remarks from Drale, Cuervo, and UAC Executive Director Jeff Bacon. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the program begins at 9:30 a.m., with parking in Lot 13.