UC San Diego Joins West Coast Conference as First Public School Since 1979

UC San Diego will officially join the West Coast Conference (WCC) as a full member starting July 1, 2027, expanding the conference to 10 teams. This move follows Gonzaga's departure to the Pac-12 and marks UCSD as the first public university to join the WCC since the late 1970s, as well as the first non-religious institution in over four decades. UCSD has quickly risen through the NCAA ranks, transitioning from Division II to Division I by 2024 and making history by qualifying both its men's and women's basketball teams for the NCAA tournament in their first year of eligibility. The addition of UCSD, which sponsors 24 sports with 14 joining WCC competition, aligns with the conference's goals of geographic balance and student-athlete wellness, offering reduced travel demands. WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson and university leaders praised UCSD's strategic leadership and rapid success, highlighting the move as a significant milestone that strengthens the conference's academic and athletic profile. The expansion also solidifies the WCC's presence across major Western U.S. metropolitan markets and enhances regional rivalries, particularly with nearby University of San Diego.