Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears

Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears are athletic teams representing the Missouri State University. The programs began back in 1908. Missouri State competes in NCAA Division I, and is now in the second and final year of its transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The school joined Conference USA in July 2025. All Missouri State women's teams use the "Lady Bears" nickname except beach volleyball, which uses "Beach Bears".

The Missouri State University also has soccer, diving, the women’s sports and swimming.