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SAN RAMON, Calif.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0The Pac-12 Conference and The Big West jointly announced today a collaborative men\u2019s soccer partnership designed to strengthen and sustain Division I men\u2019s soccer opportunities across the western United States.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As part of this strategic partnership, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will compete as affiliate members in Pac-12 men\u2019s soccer beginning with the 2026\u201327 season. In addition, the Pac-12 and Big West will implement a scheduling collaboration featuring crossover matches between member institutions of both conferences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving competitive opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring long-term sustainability for men\u2019s soccer programs across the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly Quote\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose,\u201d said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. \u201cOur shared goal has been clear \u2014 protect opportunities for student-athletes, preserve Division I men\u2019s soccer in the West, and ensure our institutions continue to have meaningful access to NCAA championship pathways. This collaborative approach reflects the strength of our partnership with the Pac-12 and our collective commitment to the future of the sport.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Quote\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pac-12 is proud to partner with the Big West on this important initiative,\u201d said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. \u201cBy working together, our conferences are ensuring stability for men\u2019s soccer programs across the region and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0strong competitive opportunities and postseason access for our student-athletes. This collaboration and partnership\u00a0advances\u00a0our goal of supporting competitive and\u00a0viable\u00a0Olympic sports.\u201d\u00a0
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\u00a0 \u00a0What 2 Watch 4 in 2026\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The seven teams in The Big West boast\u00a0the 2006 national champion\u00a0and 15-time NCAA participant\u00a0UC Santa Barbara, the 2025\u00a0Big West\u00a0champion\u00a0UC Irvine\u00a0with eight NCAA appearances to their name, three-time league champion\u00a0and 10-time NCAA postseason competitor\u00a0Cal State Fullerton, one-time\u00a0conference\u00a0victor\u00a0and\u00a0seven-time national postseason participant\u00a0CSUN, Cal State Bakersfield out of the Central Valley and incoming members Utah Valley from the WAC and upgrading to full membership, Sacramento State.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, The Pac-12 touts Oregon State, who most recently played for the 2023 national championship and has made six consecutive NCAA appearances, 2024 WAC regular-season champion San Diego State, Gonzaga, back-to-back Big West regular-season champion Cal Poly, 2023 NCAA tournament team California Baptist,\u00a02022 national postseason participant UC Riverside and UC San Diego.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2026\u00a0Big West by the numbers:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t1 national champion (2006 UC Santa Barbara)\u00a0
\n\t1 runner-up (2004 UC Santa Barbara)\u00a0
\n\t12 Sweet 16s\u00a0
\n\t3 Elite Eights\u00a0
\n\t44\u00a0combined all-time\u00a0NCAA Tournament\u00a0appearances\u00a0with all seven\u00a0schools\u00a0competing at least once in the\u00a0NCAA\u00a0Division I\u00a0Men\u2019s Soccer\u00a0Championship\u00a0\u00a0
\n\t71\u00a0combined\u00a0all-time MLS Draft selections\u00a0
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