SAN RAMON, Calif. — The Big West and Pac-12 Conference jointly announced a collaborative men's soccer partnership on Monday, which will begin in the upcoming 2026 season.
 
"The Pac-12 is proud to partner with the Big West on this important initiative," Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said. "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."
 
With the aim of sustaining and strengthening Division I men's soccer across the western United States, California Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside and UC San Diego will compete as affiliate members in Pac-12 men's soccer, joining full-time conference members Oregon State, Gonzaga and San Diego State. UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Utah Valley, CSUN, Sacramento State and Cal State Bakersfield will make up The Big West, and the two conferences will implement a scheduling collaboration featuring crossover matches between member institutions of both conferences.
 
"This partnership represents what can happen when conferences work together with purpose," Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "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."
 
Additional information, including scheduling details, will be released as the fall season approaches. For the most up-to-date schedules and info about the UC Santa Barbara Men's Soccer team, visit ucsbgauchos.com.