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Men's Soccer

Pac-12 and Big West Announce Collaborative Men’s Soccer Partnership

Cal State Bakersfield to continue competing in Big West after conference collaboration.

SAN RAMON, Calif. — 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. 

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's soccer beginning with the 2026–27 season. In addition, the Pac-12 and Big West will implement a scheduling collaboration featuring crossover matches between member institutions of both conferences. 

This 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. 

Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly Quote 
"This partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose," said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. "Our shared goal has been clear — 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." 

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Quote 
"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." 
 
What 2 Watch 4 in 2026   
The seven teams in The Big West boast the 2006 national champion and 15-time NCAA participant UC Santa Barbara, the 2025 Big West champion UC Irvine with eight NCAA appearances to their name, three-time league champion and 10-time NCAA postseason competitor Cal State Fullerton, one-time conference victor and seven-time national postseason participant CSUN, Cal State Bakersfield out of the Central Valley and incoming members Utah Valley from the WAC and upgrading to full membership, Sacramento State. 

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, 2022 national postseason participant UC Riverside and UC San Diego. 

2026 Big West by the numbers: 
  • 1 national champion (2006 UC Santa Barbara) 
  • 1 runner-up (2004 UC Santa Barbara) 
  • 12 Sweet 16s 
  • 3 Elite Eights 
  • 44 combined all-time NCAA Tournament appearances with all seven schools competing at least once in the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship  
  • 71 combined all-time MLS Draft selections 
 This press release was written by The Big West
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