Sacramento State Hornets Soar Into Big west Conference In 2026-27
Sacramento, California – In a move that promises to reshape the competitive landscape, Sacramento State is set to officially join The Big West Conference as a full member starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The declaration, made Wednesday, marks a new chapter for the Hornets, who have been an affiliate member in various sports but now will have 16 teams competing within the conference.
A New horizon For Sacramento State Athletics
sacramento state informed The Big Sky Conference on Wednesday of its departure, paving the way for its integration into The Big West. Commissioner Dan Butterly expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The Big West membership and conference staff are excited to welcome sacramento State. Sacramento State is a staunch advocate for excellence in academics, athletics and service within their community.”
The addition of Sacramento State not only strengthens The Big West competitively, but also broadens its geographic reach. Will this move elevate the conference’s national profile?
Football’s Independent path
One notable aspect of this transition is the status of Sacramento State’s football program. Since The Big West does not sponsor football, The Hornets will continue as an independent program. Currently, Sacramento state is seeking to elevate its football status from FCS to FBS as an independent. Though, a decision from the NCAA Division I Council is pending, with the FBS Oversight Committee recommending against the move, emphasizing the importance of an invitation to join an FBS conference.
Statements Of Excitement And Ambition
Athletic Director Mark Orr conveyed his enthusiasm: “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 chance to be in the best position to be nationally competitive.” Orr highlighted The Big West’s history of national success across multiple sports, expressing eagerness to compete for championships and build new rivalries.
The Big West Lineup
Starting July 1, 2026, Sacramento State will join a diverse and competitive lineup within The Big West. The conference includes institutions such as 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. Currently,The Big West has no plans to expand beyond its 12-member structure.
Basketball Boost: Bibby And O’Neal Join The Hornets
Sacramento State has demonstrated a strong commitment to its men’s basketball program. Significant investments include hiring former NBA star Mike Bibby as head coach and Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary GM, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance. Last season, under interim coach Michael Czepil, The Hornets posted a 7-25 record. The program seeks to improve upon its historical performance, having only twice achieved a winning record since transitioning to Division I in 1991-92.
How will these high-profile additions impact the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons?
| Institution | location |
|---|---|
| California Baptist | Riverside, california |
| Cal Poly | San luis Obispo, California |
| Cal state Bakersfield | Bakersfield, California |
| Cal state Fullerton | fullerton, California |
| Long Beach State | Long Beach, California |
| CSUN | Northridge, California |
| UC Irvine | Irvine, California |
| UC Riverside | Riverside, California |
| UC San Diego | San Diego, California |
| UC Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, California |
| Utah Valley | Orem, Utah |
| Sacramento State | Sacramento, california |
The Rise Of Mid-Major Conferences
The sacramento State move underscores a broader trend in collegiate athletics: the increasing competitiveness and strategic maneuvering within mid-major conferences. These conferences are vital platforms for universities aiming to enhance their athletic prestige and expand their reach. Member institutions can benefit from increased media exposure, improved recruiting opportunities, and enhanced revenue streams.
Over the past decade, several universities have strategically realigned to optimize their competitive positioning. Such as, in 2023, James Madison University transitioned to the Sun Belt Conference to bolster its football program, demonstrating the importance of conference affiliation for athletic growth. Such moves reflect the dynamic nature of college sports and the ongoing quest for competitive advantage.
What long-term impact will this have on the landscape of college athletics?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Sacramento State joining The Big West Conference?
sacramento State aims to enhance its athletic competitiveness and provide its student-athletes with opportunities to compete at a national level. - When will Sacramento State officially join The Big West?
Sacramento State will officially become a member of The Big West on July 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year. - What will happen to Sacramento State’s football program?
Since The Big West does not sponsor football, Sacramento State’s football program will operate as an independent. The university is also exploring options to move up to the FBS level. - Who are some of the notable new additions to Sacramento State’s basketball program?
Sacramento State’s men’s basketball program has recently added former NBA star mike Bibby as head coach and Shaquille O’Neal as a voluntary GM,signaling a significant investment in the program. - What other teams are in The Big West Conference?
Other teams in The Big West include 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. - Has Sacramento State always been part of The Big West?
Sacramento State has been an affiliate member of The Big West in various sports in the past but is now becoming a full member with 16 teams competing in the conference.
What are your thoughts on Sacramento State’s move to The Big West? Share your comments below!
