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Strategic arrangement preserves Division I men’s soccer pathways and NCAA access for western programs<\/p>\n
SAN RAMON, California \u2014 The Pac-12 Conference and The Big West jointly announced today a collaborative men’s soccer partnership designed to strengthen and sustain Division I men’s soccer opportunities across the western United States.
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\nAs part of this strategic partnership, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will compete as affiliate members in Pac-12 men’s 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.
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\nThis joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving competitive opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring long-term sustainability for men’s soccer programs across the region.
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\n“This partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose,” said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. “Our shared goal has been clear \u2014 protect opportunities for student-athletes, preserve Division I men’s 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.”
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\n“The Pac-12 is proud to partner with the Big West on this important initiative,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. “By working together, our conferences are ensuring stability for men’s soccer programs across the region and maintaining strong competitive opportunities and postseason access for our student-athletes. This collaboration and partnership advances our goal of supporting competitive and viable Olympic sports.”
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\n“We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to be a part of the Pac-12,” said UC San Diego men’s soccer head coach Jon Pascale<\/a>. “It allows us the opportunity to play a few new quality opponents and establish a cross-town rivalry with San Diego State.”
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\nAbout UC San Diego Athletics
\nAfter two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit\u00a0UCSDtritons.com<\/a>\u00a0or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media\u00a0@UCSDtritons<\/a>.
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