UC San Diego has officially accepted an invitation to join the West Coast Conference (WCC), starting July 1, 2027, marking a historic move as the first public university in the league since Nevada-Reno left in 1979.

This move will increase the WCC's membership to 10 schools for the 2027-28 academic year, expanding its regional and athletic profile.

The addition of UCSD will bring the number of California schools in the WCC to eight, strengthening the conference's regional presence.

UC San Diego’s rapid rise in NCAA Division I sports has been remarkable, with the university making history by qualifying both its men's and women's basketball teams for the NCAA tournament in their first year of postseason eligibility.

Conference Commissioner Stu Jackson highlighted UCSD’s recent NCAA success and strategic growth, noting its alignment with the WCC’s goals and the enhancement of the conference’s academic profile.

UCSD's successful transition to Division I in 2024 has seen its programs secure 30 national championships, 44 runner-up finishes, and 49 third-place honors, along with 138 individual national titles.

Athletic Director Earl W. Edwards emphasized that joining the WCC aligns with UCSD’s mission of excellence in athletics, research, and community impact.

UCSD's Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla expressed excitement about joining the WCC, aiming to elevate the university’s athletic and academic profile and expand its reach across major West Coast metropolitan areas.

He also highlighted that this move will enhance UCSD's athletic and academic visibility and foster local rivalries, notably with the University of San Diego.

UCSD student-athletes boast a 90% graduation rate, the highest among public schools in NCAA Division I and II, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

Leadership from UCSD, the WCC, and other institutions praised the school's swift athletic progress and strategic planning, viewing the move as a major national success story.

UCSD will compete alongside teams from USD, Loyola Marymount, the University of the Pacific, Pepperdine, University of Portland, Saint Mary’s, USF, Santa Clara, and Seattle University in the WCC.

UCSD’s recent athletic success includes qualifying for NCAA tournaments in both men's and women's basketball in their first postseason year, with 20 of 24 teams reaching postseason and four winning conference titles.