WVU Athletics Communications
In a significant advancement toward future opportunity and success, West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker announced today that the Mountaineers will provide an additional 140 athletic scholarships for the 2026-27 season.
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.
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 WVU President Michael T. 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 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.
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