Hold onto your Beavers and Cougars, because a major shift is brewing in college sports! According to multiple sources, Oregon State and Washington State universities are nearing an agreement to join the West Coast Conference (WCC) as affiliate members for multiple sports, most notably men’s and women’s basketball.
This move comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Pac-12 conference. With UCLA and USC set to depart for the Big Ten in 2025, and other Pac-12 members exploring their options, Oregon State and Washington State are seeking stability and a competitive environment for their athletic programs.
The West Coast Conference, known for its strong academic and athletic tradition, welcomes the potential arrival of the two Pac-12 schools. The WCC already boasts competitive basketball programs like Gonzaga and BYU. And adding Oregon State and Washington State would further elevate the conference’s profile.
The WCC provides a challenging but welcoming environment for their basketball programs, potentially leading to more NCAA tournament appearances. Participating in a geographically closer conference like the WCC reduces travel expenses and fatigue for athletes and coaches.
The Road Ahead:
While the details of the agreement are still being finalized, it’s expected to be approved by both conferences and universities in the coming weeks. Once official, Oregon State and Washington State could begin competing in the WCC as early as the 2024-25 season.
For fans of Oregon State and Washington State, this move opens up new possibilities and challenges. While they might miss some traditional Pac-12 rivalries, the WCC offers a fresh chapter with exciting competition and potentially closer game day experiences.
It’s also worth noting that this is just the beginning of the story. With the Pac-12’s future uncertain, other conference realignment moves could be on the horizon. Further reshaping the landscape of college athletics.
So, buckle up, college basketball fans! The West Coast Conference is about to get a whole lot more Pac-12 flavor. And the future of college sports promises to be anything but predictable.
