BBG Sports Report: What WVSSAC’s High School Realignment Means for Black Populated Schools

Big changes are already underway in the world of West Virginia high school athletics. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) has released its updated classifications for the 2025–2026 school year, shaking up which schools will compete against each other and raising important questions about equity and access in high school sports.

 The New Class Breakdown:

• Class AAAA – 20 schools
• Class AAA – 28 schools
• Class AA – 32 schools
• Class A – 44 schools (largest group)

This reshuffling is based on school enrollment numbers across the state. Still, for many schools serving predominantly Black and low-income student populations, this realignment could have both visible and invisible impacts.

 The Equity Question: Where Do Black Students Fit in This Realignment?

Many of West Virginia’s historically Black-populated schools—particularly those located in urban centers like Charleston, Huntington, and Bluefield—have seen declining enrollment over the last decade due to a mix of factors: economic outmigration, housing instability, and school consolidations. As a result, several schools that once competed in higher classes may now be shifted down into smaller classifications, impacting both their competitive matchups and access to resources.

For example:

• A drop to Class AA or A might mean less visibility for standout athletes, especially in football and basketball, where scouts and media often focus on higher-class games.
• Smaller classifications often come with fewer funding opportunities, reduced media coverage, and limited access to advanced training or facilities.
• On the flip side, realignment can also offer a level playing field, allowing schools with fewer resources to compete more fairly within their bracket.

 What This Means for the Future

For Black student-athletes, representation and access remain at the heart of the issue. As the WVSSAC recalibrates its athletic landscape, the voices of families, coaches, and students from historically marginalized schools must be part of the conversation.

Will schools be supported as they transition into new classifications?

Will smaller class schools receive equitable media coverage, scouting access, and postseason opportunities?

The answers remain unclear—but what’s certain is this: how we support our youth on the field reflects how we support them off it.

 Stay Tuned with BBG Sports

Black By God Sports will continue to follow this story, highlight standout athletes from every class, and make sure Black excellence in West Virginia sports is seen, supported, and celebrated—no matter the classification.

Have thoughts or stories about how realignment is affecting your school or student-athlete? DM us on IG @blackbygodwv.

Note: most information taken from here: https://www.on3.com/high-school/news/west-virginias-wvssac-realigns-classifications-ahead-of-2025-2026/