Intercollegiate athletics is evolving and The Big West is meeting that moment with energy, vision and bold moves.
Many believe a brand is just a logo or a tagline. For us, it runs deeper. Yes, our name, the “Flying BW” and our credo, Only The Bold are important symbols, but they aren’t the brand. The brand is the feeling we create together. It’s the pride of representing something bigger than yourself. It’s the experience we deliver to our fans, student-athletes and partners—on the field, in the stands in the communities we serve.
That experience is what sets The Big West apart. As our membership evolves, so does our reach, our impact and our potential. Conference affiliation plays a huge role in shaping how athletic programs are perceived—from media exposure and recruiting, to scheduling, rankings and alumni engagement. When our members succeed, the brand succeeds. When the brand grows stronger, it is reflected in the membership.
Starting July 1, 2026, we grow stronger with the bold addition of three new members: California Baptist, Sacramento State, and Utah Valley University. These institutions bring fresh talent, engaged fan-bases and a shared passion to compete at the highest level. They don’t just join the conference—they help define what’s next.
This is more than expansion. It’s a signal. The Big West is stepping forward yet again. A league that is rising, united and ready to make noise on the national stage.
This next chapter of The Big West is about pushing boundaries, creating momentum and showing what’s possible when tradition meets transformation.
We’re not just part of the conversation—we’re changing it.