July 2, 2025

UT Dallas Joins NCAA Division II as Provisional Member

News Summary

The University of Texas at Dallas has announced its transition to NCAA Division II as a provisional member. This change allows the institution to compete more competitively while also offering athletic scholarships, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes. As UT Dallas prepares for full membership in the Lone Star Conference by 2026, it maintains ties with its previous conference during the transition. The move signifies a commitment to excellence in athletics and aims to further develop the university’s sports programs.

Richardson, Texas — The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) has officially become a provisional member of NCAA Division II, a significant move announced on July 11, 2024. This transition marks a pivotal change for the university, which was previously a member of NCAA Division III and part of the American Southwest Conference (ASC).

The transition to Division II is set to be expedited, with the university aiming for full membership completion by September 1, 2026. Joining the Lone Star Conference (LSC) formed part of this new chapter for UT Dallas, with their invitation to join the conference coming in July 2024.

As a provisional member of the NCAA Division II, UT Dallas will initially compete independently while also maintaining scheduling alliances with the ASC during their transition. Although the university will be able to pursue and receive all honors and awards from the ASC, their records will not count towards ASC standings during this period.

Full competition within the LSC is anticipated to begin in fall 2025, offering UT Dallas student-athletes the chance to experience a more competitive environment. One of the most significant benefits of moving to NCAA Division II is the ability for the university to offer athletic scholarships—a practice that is not permitted under Division III regulations.

Currently, UT Dallas supports an array of 15 men’s and women’s varsity sports, inclusive of popular programs such as basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. The LSC, which now includes UT Dallas, boasts a total of 17 members, 13 of which are located in Texas. Historically, the conference has been a powerhouse in NCAA Division II sports, accumulating a remarkable 81 national championships across various team sports.

This strategic move is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the athletics program, providing student-athletes with greater opportunities to compete at a higher level, as well as the possibility of receiving athletic scholarships. The transition aligns with the university’s broader goals of expanding its athletic offerings and improving its overall competitiveness.

UT Dallas has a rich sports history and aims to build on that legacy as it embarks on this new journey. The athletics department is enthusiastic about the opportunities this transition will present to student-athletes, fostering a more robust environment for competing and succeeding in collegiate athletics.

As the university prepares for this transition, the excitement surrounding the change is palpable among the athletic community and student body. With an eye towards the future, UT Dallas looks to navigate the competitive landscape of NCAA Division II, while continuing to prioritize the academic and athletic success of its students.

The path to Division II is not just a promotion for UT Dallas; it represents a commitment to excellence in athletics. As the university gears up for upcoming competitions and prepares its athletes for the challenges ahead, there is a welcoming anticipation for what the next few years will bring in terms of achievement and growth.

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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