• Jdur
    94
    Link to Article

    IRVINE, Calif. – The Big West proudly announces that California Baptist University (CBU) will join the conference as a full member beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This move enhances The Big West’s competitive landscape and reinforces its commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

    "The addition of California Baptist University marks a significant step forward for The Big West," Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "CBU aligns with our mission of fostering competitive excellence, academic achievement and service within our communities. We are excited to welcome them and look forward to the talent, excitement and rivalries they will bring beginning July 1, 2026.”

    Located in Riverside, California, CBU sponsors 19 NCAA Division I sports. Transitioning from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the Lancers will compete in The Big West in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s water polo, and women’s volleyball.

    "Joining The Big West represents a pivotal moment for California Baptist University,” CBU President Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. said. “This opportunity reflects our continued growth as an institution and our commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and service. We look forward to making an impact in The Big West."

    CBU Athletic Director Micah Parker, Ph.D. added: "This move provides an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while strengthening our regional presence. We appreciate The Big West’s leadership for recognizing the value CBU brings to the conference."

    While the potential for adding more full members exists, the addition of California Baptist University brings the total number of Big West schools to ten beginning in the 2026-27 season. Upon arrival CBU will have The Big West’s second smallest enrollment and will give Riverside the distinction of being the third US city with two NCAA Division I programs competing in the same conference along with USC and UCLA (Big Ten) and LaSalle and Temple (Atlantic 10). The Lancers will officially begin Big West competition on July 1, 2026.
  • Jdur
    94
    I for one, am very happy we are leaving the Big West after a move like this. Not that Cal Baptist is the worst move ever, but beyond that new arena, I don't think this move brings much. The possibility that they could add more just makes me think about an alternative universe where Hawaii left, we stayed, and we got stuck with more dilution to the conference. Even with schools leaving the MW, I am more excited about an add like UTEP than Cal Baptist.
  • Jackbacker2
    36
    The Big West according to the long time Big West commissioner Dennis Farrell is” a cost containment conference.” The move will help out the California schools are UCD and Hawaii leaving
    NLI money is going to hurt the NCAA sports and when we have a downturn cost containment will help keep the Big West school afloat rather than the wholesale cutting of ICA departments.
    Good for CBU and the Big West. I wish them both well.
  • eastbayaggie
    119
    I'm curious to see how NIL will play a factor in the future, since I think the alums from UCI, UCSD, and UCSB may play a big role in funding talented basketball athletes in the future.
  • Jackbacker2
    36
    Rick Pitino at Saint John's calls every member of his team a pro.

    What do you think it will take to buy a pro team to win the Big West on an annual basis?

    The schools you listed UCI, UCSD and UCSB also don't have football.

    Any have thoughts on how much it will cost to pay for an Aggie Mountain West team to compete for a MWC title?
  • LeFan
    19


    Start with what it costs to be competitive in the Big West, which is 3.5 to 4. Add 50% to compete with Nevada.
  • Jackbacker2
    36
    Hi LeFan,

    Not sure of your number is that $ 350,000-400,000 for mens bb or a smaller number. Sorry for the lack of knowledge.
  • LeFan
    19


    Basketball budget of 3.5 to 4m to be competitive with the top of BWC. Need about 15% of that for NIL. MWC will require more, and a greater percentage of that amount to the NIL budget.
  • movielover
    576
    AKA 'business model'?
  • BaseballAtDobbins
    100
    I thought UVU joined too?
  • yolohw
    22
    From the articles I browsed on the subject Utah Valley has received but not yet formally accepted an offer to join the Big West.
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