Strategic arrangement preserves Division I men's soccer pathways and NCAA access for western programs
SAN RAMON, California — The Pac-12 Conference and The Big West jointly announced today a collaborative men's soccer partnership designed to strengthen and sustain Division I men's soccer opportunities across the western United States.
As part of this strategic partnership, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego will compete as affiliate members in Pac-12 men's soccer beginning with the 2026–27 season. In addition, the Pac-12 and Big West will implement a scheduling collaboration featuring crossover matches between member institutions of both conferences.
This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving competitive opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring long-term sustainability for men's soccer programs across the region.
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"This partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose," said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. "Our shared goal has been clear — protect opportunities for student-athletes, preserve Division I men's soccer in the West, and ensure our institutions continue to have meaningful access to NCAA championship pathways. This collaborative approach reflects the strength of our partnership with the Pac-12 and our collective commitment to the future of the sport."
"The Pac-12 is proud to partner with the Big West on this important initiative," said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. "By working together, our conferences are ensuring stability for men's soccer programs across the region and maintaining strong competitive opportunities and postseason access for our student-athletes. This collaboration and partnership advances our goal of supporting competitive and viable Olympic sports."
"We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to be a part of the Pac-12," said UC San Diego men's soccer head coach
Jon Pascale. "It allows us the opportunity to play a few new quality opponents and establish a cross-town rivalry with San Diego State."
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
