U Sports is the national governing body for university sport in Canada. It sanctions national championships, sets eligibility and equity policies, and coordinates competition among member universities across four regional conferences: Canada West, Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) — university sector, and Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

At a glance — U Sports
Scope National university sport (multiple sports; men’s & women’s)
Conferences Canada West • OUA • RSEQ (university) • AUS
What it does Sanctions national championships • Eligibility & policies • Rankings & awards • Equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives
Partners Sport Canada • NSOs • Broadcasters & sponsors • Canadian Sport Institutes/Centres
Official site usports.ca

Role and structure

U Sports coordinates interuniversity athletics and national championships while conferences run regular-season and playoff schedules. Member schools field varsity teams within conference frameworks and compete for national titles administered by U Sports.

Sports and championships (examples)

Commonly sanctioned championships include: basketball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, track and field, cross-country, swimming, wrestling, rugby, football (Vanier Cup pathway), curling, and others determined by membership and sport councils.

Eligibility, academics, and equity

U Sports sets academic eligibility, transfer, and amateurism rules; promotes gender equity, safe sport, anti-doping (with CCES), and inclusive participation. Student-athlete awards recognize academic excellence and community leadership.

Rankings, awards, and media

Weekly national rankings (in selected sports), end-of-season awards (athlete/rookie/coach of the year), and championship broadcasts support visibility for university sport. Media rights and streaming are coordinated with conferences and hosts.

High-performance pathway

Universities contribute to national team pipelines via coaching, facilities, sport science, and partnerships with National Sport Organizations and Canadian Sport Institutes/Centres.

See also

External links (official)