The Pac-12 Conference and the Big West have announced a new collaboration for men's soccer, aimed at enhancing Division I opportunities in the western U.S. Starting in the 2026鈥�27 season, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will join the Pac-12 as affiliate members. The partnership includes scheduled crossover matches between the two conferences, emphasizing a mutual commitment to student-athlete opportunities and the sustainability of soccer programs. Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly and Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould have both highlighted the benefits of this initiative for preserving competitive pathways.

By the Numbers
  • 1 national champion (UC Santa Barbara, 2006)
  • 44 combined all-time NCAA Tournament appearances across seven schools
  • 71 combined all-time MLS Draft selections
Yes, But

Concerns remain about funding and resources, as smaller programs may struggle to compete with larger universities in the long term. Additionally, the effectiveness of this partnership in expanding exposure and recruitment for lesser-known programs is yet to be seen.

State of Play
  • The partnership seeks to unify and stabilize men's soccer across the western region.
  • Member institutions from both conferences are collaborating on scheduling to enhance visibility and competition.
What's Next

The focus will be on implementing the scheduling collaboration effectively and measuring its impact on athlete recruitment and program sustainability leading into the 2026 season.

Bottom Line

This strategic alignment is set to elevate the competitiveness of men's soccer in the West, ensuring stability and access to NCAA championships, but successful implementation will be key to realizing its full potential.