The Big West proudly announces that Sacramento State will join the conference as a full member beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. This expansion brings full membership in The Big West to 12 NCAA Division I institutions beginning July 1, 2026.

“It is a great day in the history of The Big West,” Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego Chancellor and Chair of The Big West Board of Directors said. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome these institutions and thank Commissioner Dan Butterly for his vision and leadership in successfully navigating the changing tides of conference membership.”

"The Big West membership and conference staff are excited to welcome Sacramento State to The Big West,” Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "In addition to strengthening The Big West competitively and expanding our geographic footprint, Sacramento State is a staunch advocate for excellence in academics, athletics and service within their community. The new look Big West promises to bring a new level of competition and friendly rivalry for student-athletes and fans alike.”

Located in Sacramento, Calif., Sacramento State has been an affiliate member of The Big West in men’s soccer since 2012, beach volleyball since 2015 and men’s golf since 2024. The Hornets were also an affiliate member of the conference in baseball from 1996-2002. A total of 16 teams will compete for Big West championships beginning in the 2026-27 season in the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, beach volleyball, 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 tennis, men’s and women’s track & field and women’s volleyball.

"Joining The Big West is a bold step forward for Sacramento State and our intercollegiate athletics program,” Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood said. “This move reflects the passion and perseverance of our entire university community. We believe deeply in the power of athletics to transform lives and are proud to align ourselves with a conference that shares our core values of excellence, integrity and student-centered growth.”

Director of Athletics Mark Orr added: “We are thrilled to become a full member of The Big West and are grateful for the invitation. Sacramento State strives to provide our student-athletes the opportunity to be in the best position to be nationally competitive, and The Big West for decades has been a conference that has enjoyed national success in several sports. We are eager to compete for championships, enhance existing rivalries, and develop new relationships with our peer conference members. "

The Hornets will officially join The Big West on July 1, 2026, joining a lineup that includes California Baptist, Cal Poly, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, CSUN, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and Utah Valley.

The Big West has no current plans to expand beyond 12-member institutions. Sacramento State is the sixth largest campus in the California State University system and will be the seventh largest Big West institution upon arrival as a full member. With this addition, The Big West will be the largest intercollegiate athletic conference in the western United States.