The Big West Board of Directors continued its focus on bold leadership, long-term conference stability, competitive excellence and strategic positioning as the league prepares to welcome three new members to the fold on July 1, 2026.

During a series of spring meetings, the Board unanimously approved all actions previously voted upon by the Council, including several legislative proposals impacting championship operations, scheduling, student-athlete welfare and financial distribution models.

“The Big West continues to position itself proactively for the future,” said Commissioner Dan Butterly. “The actions approved this week reflect The Big West’s commitment to student-athlete welfare, competitive excellence, fiscal responsibility and long-term stability during a transformative period across the conference and the country.”

The Council’s business was conducted in conjunction with the 2026 Track & Field Championships on the campus of Long Beach State, with active participation from Athletic Directors, Senior Woman Administrators (SWAs) and Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs) from across the membership, including incoming members California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley. Additionally, two members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) were present and involved as voting members.

Leadership transitions within the Council were highlighted by the election of CSUN Director of Athletics Ryan Swartwood to serve as the chair of the Directors of Athletics governance group for 2026-27. Swartwood assumes the role from Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran who effectively guided the group over the past academic year.

Among the spring actions unanimously approved by the Board:

• Approval of several basketball competitive improvement strategies that will take effect beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.
• Approval of multiple health and safety measures developed in collaboration with The Big West’s certified athletic trainers, including updated championship medical coverage requirements, clarified athletic training definitions and a new conference wide lightning safety policy.
• Adoption of the proportional method for distributing payments related to the NCAA Ray legal settlement, aligning with the previously approved framework utilized in the NCAA-House settlement process.
• Approval of updates to conference financial and reserves policies, performance fund distribution structures and adjustments to the 2026-27 Big West budget.

Additional legislative actions approved by the Board included modifications and updates to master scheduling regulations, conference scheduling, championship procedures, awards and various operational updates across several sponsored sports.

Further, the Board reviewed and received updates regarding active broadcast negotiations and future television and digital coverage plans.

The Board of Directors also recognized outgoing Chair Erika D. Beck, Ph.D., President of Cal State Northridge, for her leadership and service during the 2025-26 academic year. The Board previously elected Cal Poly San Luis Obispo President Jeffrey D. Armstrong to serve as Chair for 2026-27, succeeding Beck on July 1, 2026, and elected Cal State Fullerton President Ronald S. Rochon to serve as Chair for 2027-28.

“Over the past year, The Big West has demonstrated the power of collaboration, shared purpose and forward-thinking leadership,” said CSUN President Erika D. Beck. “As we welcome new member institutions and build on this year’s accomplishments, I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead for our conference and our student-athletes, and I have full confidence in the leadership of Presidents Armstrong and Rochon as they guide the Big West forward.”