UC Davis to Join Mountain West Conference in 2026 for Non-Football Sports

The Aggies will leave the Big West to elevate their athletic programs while keeping their football team in the Big Sky Conference.

UC Davis will join the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, in all sports except football, which will remain in the Big Sky at the FCS level.
The move comes as the Mountain West looks to replace five schools departing for the Pac-12, including Boise State and San Diego State.
The transition is expected to increase UC Davis's visibility in major metropolitan areas and bring new revenue opportunities from ticket sales, donations, and media rights.
UC Davis will compete in 16 Mountain West-sponsored sports, with some programs, like water polo and beach volleyball, likely remaining in the Big West through affiliate membership.
This marks a significant step for UC Davis, aligning its athletic programs with institutions that share academic strengths and expanding its competitive presence in the Western United States.