Oregon State and Washington State have officially joined the West Coast Conference (WCC) as affiliate members across 12 sports starting July 1, 2024. The WCC extended invitations to both schools in December 2023, adding them to men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, rowing, soccer, softball, and tennis. The WCC Commissioner, Stu Jackson, emphasized the commitment to providing opportunities for national championships and celebrating program achievements.
The addition of Oregon State and Washington State brings the WCC’s team count to 11 in several sports, with full membership for Grand Canyon University and Seattle University starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Both affiliate members will have the opportunity to compete in postseason championship events and earn automatic qualifications for the NCAA Championship in their respective sports.
The WCC President’s Council Chair, Dr. Thayne McCulloh, expressed excitement about the new additions and the opportunity to support these prestigious institutions. The partnership is expected to enhance competitive opportunities and strengthen the overall profile of the Conference. The WCC values the opportunity to work with Oregon State and Washington State to provide exceptional experiences for student-athletes, coaches, and programs.
Oregon State and Washington State’s passionate fan bases and institutional support are seen as valuable assets that will contribute to the overall success and excellence of the Conference. Overall, the affiliation with these two institutions is expected to enhance the WCC’s national competitive excellence and further support the student-athlete experience.
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Photo credit wccsports.com
