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San Bruno Today
By the People, for the People
UC Santa Barbara to Join West Coast Conference in 2027
The university will become the 12th member of the league.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:47am
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The West Coast Conference's expansion to 12 schools with the addition of UC Santa Barbara will reshape the competitive landscape of mid-major college athletics in the western US.San Bruno TodayThe University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) will join the West Coast Conference (WCC) starting in the 2027-28 academic year, expanding the league's membership to 12 schools. The announcement was made by the WCC, which is headquartered in San Bruno, California.
Why it matters
The addition of UCSB, a Division I program with strong athletics across several sports, will bolster the WCC's profile and competitiveness. It also reflects the conference's continued growth and evolution as a leading mid-major league in the western United States.
The details
UCSB, currently an independent Division I program, will become the 12th member of the WCC, joining schools like Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, and Brigham Young University. The Gauchos sponsor 20 varsity sports and have found particular success in men's soccer, women's basketball, and beach volleyball.
- UCSB will officially join the WCC starting in the 2027-28 academic year.
The players
West Coast Conference
A NCAA Division I athletic conference located in the western United States, consisting of 10 private and 2 public universities.
UC Santa Barbara
A public research university and one of the 10 campuses of the University of California system, known for its strong athletics programs across several sports.
What’s next
The WCC and UCSB will work together over the next several years to ensure a smooth transition and integration of the university into the conference.
The takeaway
The addition of UC Santa Barbara to the West Coast Conference represents the league's continued growth and evolution, bringing in a strong athletic program that will enhance the overall competitiveness of the conference.
