SDSU Basketball Remains a Fan Favorite Despite Changing Landscape

Aztecs' vibrant gameday atmosphere and tournament success keep fans engaged despite economic challenges facing mid-major programs.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Despite the growing financial divide between college basketball's elite programs and mid-majors like San Diego State, the Aztecs' passionate fan base continues to pack the stands at Viejas Arena. The team's consistent tournament appearances and near-Final Four run in 2023 have cemented SDSU as a West Coast hoops powerhouse, though athletic director John David Wicker acknowledges the need for a deep-pocketed benefactor to keep pace with the spending of major conference schools.

Why it matters

As the college basketball landscape becomes increasingly tilted toward the wealthiest programs, SDSU's ability to maintain a vibrant gameday atmosphere and tournament success is a testament to the program's enduring appeal and the loyalty of its fan base. However, the economic realities facing mid-majors like the Aztecs could make it difficult to compete with the spending power of the sport's elite unless the program can find a billionaire benefactor.

The details

SDSU fans packed Viejas Arena on Saturday night, creating a charged-up atmosphere that reminded observers of the program's consistent ability to draw large, passionate crowds. The Aztecs players responded with a strong performance, led by guard BJ Davis's 30-point outing. While the team's tournament hopes remain alive, athletic director John David Wicker acknowledged the growing financial divide between SDSU and the sport's power conference programs, which was evident in lopsided losses to Michigan earlier this season.

  • SDSU joined the revamped Pac-12 Conference starting in the 2026-27 season.
  • The Aztecs are seeking their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance this year.

The players

John David Wicker

The athletic director of San Diego State University, who noted the program's strong tournament seeding and the need for a billionaire benefactor to help the Aztecs keep pace with the spending of major conference schools.

BJ Davis

A guard for the San Diego State Aztecs, who scored 30 points in just 26 minutes of play in the team's recent victory.

Pharaoh Compton

A sophomore forward from Chicago who helped lead a first-half rally for the Aztecs with a blocked shot and strong play in transition.

Reese Dixon-Waters

A senior guard from Long Beach who made timely contributions to the Aztecs' victory.

Miles Byrd

A three-year standout for the Aztecs who is hoping to make his third straight NCAA Tournament appearance despite battling a lower-leg injury.

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What they’re saying

“We can beat anybody in the country if we go out and we play our game. If we play good defense, if we play efficient on the offensive end, if you play good Aztec defense and do the things you need to do, we can beat anybody.”

— John David Wicker, Athletic Director, San Diego State University (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“You guys have proven that you can win in the tournament. So, traditionally, we get seeded very well because of the work that we've done. And that national title game (in '23) just helps amplify it.”

— John David Wicker, Athletic Director, San Diego State University (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The Aztecs will compete in the Mountain West Conference tournament this week in Las Vegas, with a chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Despite the growing financial challenges facing mid-major programs, San Diego State's passionate fan base and the team's consistent tournament success have kept the Aztecs as a West Coast basketball powerhouse. However, the program will likely need a deep-pocketed benefactor to maintain its competitiveness against the sport's elite programs in the years ahead.