IRVINE, Calif. — The Big West has been notified by UC Santa Barbara of its decision to pursue membership in the West Coast Conference, effective July 1, 2027.
“UC Santa Barbara has informed The Big West of its decision to pursue a different path beginning in 2027,” said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. “We are proud of the history we have shared and the role UC Santa Barbara has played in the growth of our conference. At the same time, our focus is firmly on the future and the continued strength of The Big West.”
The Big West remains focused on thoughtful, strategic decisions that strengthen the conference’s long-term position within the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics in the West.
“The Big West is entering a defining new era,” Butterly continued. “In less than three months, we will welcome California Baptist, Utah Valley and Sacramento State — institutions that chose The Big West because of who we are, what we represent and where we are going. Together, our 10 committed member institutions are building a conference defined by alignment, innovation and national competitiveness.”
The addition of California Baptist, Utah Valley and Sacramento State reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen The Big West brand with institutions committed to long-term excellence and shared values.
“The Big West has always been defined by leadership, collaboration and purpose,” said CSUN President Erika Beck, Chair of The Big West Board of Directors. “As we move forward, our institutions remain unified and energized around a bold vision for the future. We are confident in the strength of our membership and the opportunities ahead.”
The Big West continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation’s premier conferences in Olympic and championship-driven sports, with nationally competitive programs across multiple disciplines and a reputation for delivering high-level competition, academic achievement and community engagement.
“The Big West Conference’s history of competitive excellence and academic achievement is rooted in the member institutions that represent their communities with pride and passion,” said Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran. “In this new era of intercollegiate athletics, our institutions remain aligned and steadfast in our commitment to that standard of excellence — and to delivering a student-athlete experience defined by opportunity, growth, and competitive success.”
Guided by its mission to empower student-athletes and unite communities through championship experiences, Big West institutions have won 22 team and 30 individual national championships across the conference’s five decades of sport sponsorship.
Big West programs continue to demonstrate national strength, including:
- Multiple nationally ranked teams across men’s volleyball, beach volleyball and women’s water polo
- Continued national championship contention across Olympic sports
- Student-athletes achieving excellence in academics, leadership and community service
The Big West remains committed to building a nationally respected, forward-thinking conference that delivers meaningful opportunities for student-athletes and sustainable success for its member institutions. The conference continues to build momentum through intentional membership decisions designed to strengthen long-term competitiveness and brand visibility.
“College athletics continues to evolve across the West and nationally,” said UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman. “As an original member of The Big West, this is our home. UC Irvine remains committed to the Division I student-athlete experience, academic excellence and competitive opportunities The Big West provides.”
“The Big West has never been defined by a single institution — it has always been defined by the strength of its collective membership,” Butterly added. “That strength remains firmly in place as we build the next chapter of The Big West.”