Yesterday, The Big West proudly announced that California Baptist University (CBU) will join the conference as a full member beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This move enhances The Big West’s competitive landscape and reinforces its commitment to academic and athletic excellence. Read more >>>

See some of the first reactions of the news from social media:
 

California Baptist University Athletics officially accepts the invitation to join The Big West and will begin competition in the 2026-27 season.

?? https://t.co/yhw9JeHOEC#LanceUp??

— California Baptist Lancers (@CBULancers) March 19, 2025

CBU appreciates the support of UCR with the invitation to the BIG WEST. Our partnership only makes Riverside better. The Inland Empire will be treated to a fun rivalry across many sports. Thank you, Chancellor Wilcox and AD Wes Mallette, for your help in making this a reality.

— Dr. Micah Parker (@DrMicahParker) March 19, 2025

Exciting news! CBU will become a member of the Big West for the 2026-27 school year! #LanceUp?? https://t.co/09gMwekqnN

— ??Travis Van Noty (@tvannoty) March 19, 2025

Hear from @CSUBAthletics Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics & Chair of The Big West Athletics Directors @KyleAConder on the addition of @CBULancers in 2026. #?????????????????????? x #LanceUp pic.twitter.com/7X34JTGRSm

— The Big West (@BigWestSports) March 19, 2025

The Big West just got better. Welcome @CBULancers! https://t.co/5Ol7mtc4NG

— Dominic Drury (@domdrury) March 19, 2025

Hear from the Chair of The Big West Board of Directors and @UCSanDiego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla on the addition of @CBULancers in 2026. #?????????????????????? x #LanceUp pic.twitter.com/4PUhGIWNhb

— The Big West (@BigWestSports) March 19, 2025

?????????????? to @BigWestSports ?? @CBULancers!

Very excited to work with you all and tell the stories of your community and student-athletes!#??????????????????????

— Q. (@Hii_qNews) March 19, 2025

Hear from @UCRiverside Chancellor Dr. Kim A. Wilcox on the addition of @CBULancers in 2026. #?????????????????????? x #LanceUp pic.twitter.com/3lWYIirCN3

— The Big West (@BigWestSports) March 19, 2025

California Baptist University accepts invitation to join Big West Conference https://t.co/fj7k6PR4W3

— The Press-Enterprise (@pressenterprise) March 19, 2025

Hyped for 2026 as @CBULancers begins competing in @BigWestSports https://t.co/BeUV47alL1

— Edison Kang (@Kang4Christ) March 19, 2025

Top stories from today's Evening Standard:

+ @CBULancers to join @BigWestSports
+ Big chair updates: @HawaiiAthletics, @Catamounts
+ @MC_Athletics is in, who else? Hoops-only advantage?
+ Bilas talks boosting ACC MBB play
+ Tension at NMSU

Read about these stories & more ??

— D1.ticker (@D1ticker) March 19, 2025

Big West running up the score on amazing nicknames https://t.co/Y0ZROXrZbf

— Mateo Estling (@mateoestling) March 19, 2025