In a groundbreaking move, the premier athletic conference on the West Coast has announced the addition of a new member, set to join the league in July 2026. This esteemed institution brings with it a rich tradition of excellence in basketball, boasting an impressive streak of 25 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
The conference, which has undergone significant changes in recent years, sees this new addition as a major coup, citing the school’s strong media value and reputation as one of the sport’s top brands. The institution’s men’s basketball program, led by a highly respected coach with over two decades of experience, has consistently produced top-notch teams, including two Final Four appearances.
The West Coast Conference, from which the new member is departing, has acknowledged the decision, expressing gratitude for the school’s contributions over the past four decades. The addition brings the total number of conference members to eight, although the league still requires one more member to meet minimum conference requirements.
The new member will join a strong regional basketball league featuring schools such as San Diego State, Colorado State, Utah State, Fresno State, Boise State, Washington State, and Oregon State. As the conference continues to evolve, it faces a critical decision: whether to explore new opportunities or focus on adding another football-playing school to its ranks.
Preliminary discussions have taken place with other institutions, including Grand Canyon and Saint Mary’s, both of which have demonstrated their basketball prowess in recent NCAA tournaments. However, the conference is expected to prioritize the addition of another football-playing school before shifting its attention back to basketball. The departure of this esteemed institution is undoubtedly a significant blow to its former league.
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