DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics announced a sport sponsorship update that will take effect with the 2026–27 academic year, formally elevating STUNT from club sport status to NCAA varsity status beginning in July 2026.
The decision follows an extensive internal and external review process and positions UC Davis within the growing national landscape of NCAA STUNT programs.
“These decisions were made following extensive external and internal analysis and thoughtful collaboration with campus leadership,” said Rocko DeLuca, Director of Athletics. “As the landscape of Division I athletics continues to evolve, it is important that we regularly evaluate how we best align our resources to support student-athletes, advance gender equity, and position UC Davis Athletics for long-term success.”
STUNT’s Move to Varsity Status
The elevation of STUNT reflects UC Davis’ commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for women while aligning with an NCAA Championship-sponsored sport that continues to experience rapid growth at both the regional and national levels.
STUNT is one of the fastest-growing women’s collegiate sports in California and across the country, offering large roster opportunities and a standardized competitive structure. Beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, UC Davis STUNT will compete as a full NCAA varsity program within the championship framework.
Strategic Review and Alignment
UC Davis engaged a third-party consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive sport sponsorship review that evaluated competitive alignment, student-athlete participation, academic outcomes, Title IX considerations, and long-term sustainability. That analysis supported the elevation of STUNT as a sport with a clear championship pathway and expanding national participation.
The move aligns UC Davis with a broader shift in collegiate athletics, where institutions are increasingly investing in women’s sports that provide scalable participation opportunities and long-term competitive stability.
STUNT’s elevation to varsity status marks a significant milestone for the program and adds another NCAA-sponsored opportunity for female student-athletes within UC Davis Athletics.
