UC Santa Barbara has accepted an invitation to rejoin the West Coast Conference (WCC) starting July 1, 2027, marking a significant expansion for the league as it reaches a record 12 full-time members. This move is seen as a strategic enhancement to the WCC's national profile and competitive standing, aligning with the conference's goals of regional growth and improved student-athlete experiences.
UC Santa Barbara Athletics, West Coast Conference, UC San Diego, University of Denver, Big West Conference, Saint Mary's College of California, Santa Clara University, Seattle University, Oregon State University, Loyola Marymount University, University of San Diego, University of the Pacific
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UC Santa Barbara Athletics: UC Santa Barbara Athletics is the athletic department of the University of California, Santa Barbara, which has accepted an invitation to rejoin the West Coast Conference (WCC) in 2027.
West Coast Conference: The West Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that has invited UC Santa Barbara to rejoin as a full-time member in 2027.
UC San Diego: UC San Diego is an existing conference foe that will also move to the West Coast Conference beginning in July 2027.
University of Denver: The University of Denver will transition to the West Coast Conference, concluding its time in the Summit League.
Big West Conference: The Big West Conference is the current conference in which UC Santa Barbara competes before rejoining the West Coast Conference.
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