University of West Georgia Announces Move to NCAA Division I

The West Georgia Wolves have been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1983.

The University of West Georgia is moving up to NCAA Division I competition as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, effective July 1, 2024, the school announced Friday. Additionally, West Georgia’s football team will be part of the United Athletic Conference, which is an alliance between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference.

West Georgia has been a force in the Gulf South Conference of NCAA Division II since 1983, winning 11 basketball titles, two football championships and at least one title in eight other sports during that span. Additionally, West Georgia has produced six NCAA Division II regional titles in five different sports since 1998.

The Wolves currently have 14 collegiate teams and will add four more after making the move to Division I.

“This move to NCAA Division I marks a turning point for our university, amplifying the impact of collegiate athletics and our student-athletes and igniting a new era of spirited competition,” West Georgia president Brendan Kelly said in a statement. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are thrilled to come together as a Pack to achieve this transition and are eager to leave an indelible legacy for future generations of Wolves.”

The West Georgia Bulldogs will be the newest member of NCAA Division I athletics in 2024 :: Kirby Lee/USA Today network

West Georgia will join schools such as Kennesaw State, Florida Gulf Coast and Austin Peay next year in the ASUN.