MSU officially joins Conference USA

Missouri State University's athletics program has officially joined Conference USA after the decision was announced last year.

The Springfield-based higher education institution's entry into the conference took effect today, according to a news release. MSU, which previously was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference since 1990, announced the planned move to CUSA in May 2024. 

"Missouri State is thrilled the day has finally arrived for us to be official members of Conference USA. We look forward to competing in new markets, growing our brand and galvanizing our fan base," said Patrick Ransdell, MSU director of athletics, in the release. "Likewise, today is a big day for Springfield and the greater Ozarks region. This move gives us a chance to showcase our great city to the nation and achieve new heights together."

MSU becomes the 12th school in CUSA. MSU's athletics programs in football, baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's cross country, men's and women's golf, women's soccer, softball, women's tennis, women's track and field and volleyball will have full CUSA membership, and other programs will transition to the conference or participate in other leagues.

With the transition, MSU becomes a member of the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision for the first time, officials say.

Former MSU President Clif Smart last year said the move will be “budget neutral” for the university, noting MSU athletics expects to spend an additional $5 million annually as part of CUSA, up from $31 million, according to past reporting. He said the funding would go toward scholarships, personnel, travel and student-athlete funding, and MSU expects to offset the new expenses through additional revenue.