The Big West and Pac-12 Conferences are teaming up for men’s soccer, starting in the 2026 season. This collaboration aims to create stability and more competitive opportunities for student-athletes in the western United States.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould emphasized the importance of this partnership: “By working together, we are ensuring viable options for men’s soccer programs in our region.” The goal is to support Olympic sports and provide clear pathways to postseason play.
As part of this initiative, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will join the Pac-12 as affiliate members, aligning with the existing teams such as Oregon State and San Diego State. The Big West will include familiar names like UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine. The two conferences plan to host crossover matches, which will enhance competition and engagement.
Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly shared, “This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting opportunities for student-athletes and preserving Division I men’s soccer in the West.” He noted that this collaborative approach demonstrates the strength of their partnership.
Understanding the landscape of college sports today is crucial. Recent data from the NCAA shows that more student-athletes are choosing sports beyond traditional powerhouses. In fact, participation in men’s soccer at the collegiate level has seen an uptick over the past decade, making this partnership even more timely.
As the fall season nears, further details on scheduling will be released. Stay updated on the UC Santa Barbara Men’s Soccer team through ucsb.gov.
