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The Big West officially welcomed California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley as full members today, ushering in a new chapter for one of the premier NCAA Division I conferences in the western United States. 

The arrival of these institutions, previously approved by The Big West Board of Directors, expands The Big West's footprint across California and into Utah while strengthening the conference's commitment to competitive excellence, institutional alignment and student-athlete success. The Big West will have 12 full members in 2026-27, with California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley joining Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, CSUN, Long Beach State, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara. 

"Today is a milestone moment for The Big West as we officially welcome California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley into our conference family," Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "Each university brings outstanding leadership, competitive athletics programs, growing institutional profiles and a shared commitment to providing a world-class student-athlete experience. Their arrival strengthens The Big West, expands our reach and positions the conference for continued success in a changing Division I landscape. We are grateful to the leadership of each institution for believing in, and investing in, a bigger and bolder future together.” 

The addition of the three institutions reflects bold strategic planning and a shared vision among conference leaders. 

"The addition of California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley reflects our collective vision for the future of The Big West," said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, Chair of The Big West Board of Directors. "Each institution brings unique strengths and opportunities that will benefit our student-athletes, campuses and communities. We are proud to welcome them as full members and look forward to the positive impact they will have across the conference.” 

Ryan Swartwood, Director of Athletics at CSUN and Chair of The Big West Athletic Directors governance group, echoed that sentiment. 

"The addition of California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley marks an exciting day for The Big West," Swartwood said. "These institutions share our commitment to competitive excellence, student-athlete success, service and institutional growth. Their arrival creates an exciting future for student-athletes and fans throughout the conference." 

Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist sponsors 16 NCAA Division I sports and enters The Big West following one of the most successful years in school history. The Lancers captured nine conference championships during the 2025-26 academic year and will compete in The Big West in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, women's golf, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track & field, men's and women's water polo and women's volleyball. 

"Today marks an historic day for California Baptist University," said Dr. Micah Parker, Director of Athletics at California Baptist. "We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in one of the nation's premier conferences and look forward to expanding current rivalries while representing CBU and the Inland Empire on a larger stage." 

Sacramento State brings a longstanding relationship with The Big West. The Hornets have competed as affiliate members in men's soccer since 2012, beach volleyball since 2015 and men's golf in 2024-25. Sacramento State also competed as a Big West affiliate in baseball from 1996-2002. 

As a full member, Sacramento State will compete for Big West championships in 16 sports: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, beach volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track & field and women’s volleyball. 

“This is an exciting day for Sacramento State and Hornet Athletics,” said Sacramento State Director of Athletics Mark Orr.  “The Big West offers an outstanding platform for our student-athletes, coaches, and university community.  We are eager to begin competition, while we also look forward to enhancing existing rivalries and establishing new ones.  Sacramento State aligns perfectly with a league known for excellence and innovation.  The future is bright for Sacramento State and The Big West." 

Utah Valley expands the conference's reach and marks the return of Big West competition to the state of Utah for the first time since Utah State concluded its membership in 2005. 

Based in Orem, Utah, the Wolverines will compete in 13 Big West-sponsored sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's outdoor track & field and women's volleyball. With an enrollment of more than 48,670 students, Utah Valley becomes the largest university in The Big West. 

"Becoming an official member of The Big West is a significant milestone for Utah Valley University," said Dr. Jared Sumsion, Director of Athletics at Utah Valley. "This conference aligns with our vision for growth, excellence and national relevance. We are excited to create new traditions and rivalries and provide our student-athletes with outstanding opportunities both on and off the field." 

The first opportunity for California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley to claim a Big West title comes on October 31 at The Big West men’s and women’s cross country championships on the campus of UC Riverside. Fans can celebrate the Lancers, Hornets and Wolverines with Be Bold gear available for purchase at The Big West store now >>>.