WVU Athletics
WVU Athletics to Add 140 Scholarships in Advancement Towards Future
In a major move that directly stems from a recent vote by the WVU Board of Governors, West Virginia will add 140 new athletic scholarships starting in the 2026-27 season. This will include 16 new football scholarships and 124 in Olympic sports.
The WVU’s Board of Governors voted in September to be among the top funded schools in the Big 12.
West Virginia will go from 260 athletic scholarships to 400 among its 18 varsity sports. In addition to a significant increase in the number of scholarships for football, it is also an investment in the future of Olympic sports at WVU, with an additional 124 scholarships in those sports.
“These new scholarships will be a huge boost to our programs. I’m grateful for our donors and supporters and the leadership of President Michael Benson and our Board of Governors. We WILL build something special together. Let’s Go!,” said WVU director of athletics Wren Baker on social media after the announcement.
WVU Athletics will provide an additional 140 athletic scholarships for the 2026-27 season, a significant advancement toward future opportunity and success.
West Virginia will go from 260 scholarships to 400 among its 18 varsity sports.
🔗 https://t.co/mZL1LjVlJM pic.twitter.com/zKdIrZgQSc
— WVU Sports (@WVUSports) October 9, 2025
The West Virginia University Board of Governors voted unanimously in September for a resolution in support of WVU Athletics, calling for the development of a financial plan that positions the department in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission.
The resolution directs athletics leadership to be in regular collaboration with the BOG, and to develop and present a financial operational plan that strengthens the state’s flagship institution. Today’s announcement is the first step by the University in meeting the BOG’s mandate and could not have been reached without the significant support from President Benson and the Board of Governors.
“When our athletic teams win, WVU wins and West Virginians swell with pride. We have an obligation to help strengthen the University while advancing its mission and integrity,” Baker said. “I want to thank President Michael T. Benson and our tremendous Board of Governors. Under their leadership, we have been given a path that will help us compete in the Big 12 and strengthen our position on the national level.
“The addition of 140 scholarships is a crucial step to making WVU Athletics stronger,” Baker added. “We are thankful for the confidence shown by President Benson and the BOG.”
As part of the House v. NCAA settlement, current scholarship limits are being replaced by roster sizes, and scholarship numbers and distribution can count toward revenue sharing. West Virginia is at full revenue share this year and will be at full permissible revenue share again in 2026-27.
Some of this story was taken from the WVU press release.
