Oregon State Enters into Two-Year Deal with West Coast Conference

The following release was issued by Oregon State and photo courtesy of Oregon State…

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University Athletics has entered into a two-year conference affiliation agreement, beginning in the fall of 2024, to have 10 of its athletic programs participate in the West Coast Conference.

“This affiliation agreement provides short-term clarity for 10 of our programs and guarantees that our student athletes and coaches can continue to compete for conference and national championships,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes. “We appreciate Commissioner Stu Jackson and the WCC for their partnership. This agreement represents an important step in our strategy to preserve options for the future viability of the Pac-12 conference. Our highest priority continues to be the success of all OSU student-athletes, starting with their ability to compete – and win — at the highest level possible.”

The 10 programs that will compete as WCC affiliate members include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, cross country, volleyball, women’s rowing and softball.

Affiliate status through the NCAA allows for member affiliates to compete for conference and national championships.

The move will bring the WCC membership to six teams that sponsor softball. Oregon State will join Loyola Marymount, Saint Mary’s, San Diego, Santa Clara and Pacific.

“The West Coast Conference provides an exceptional experience with strong values that are shared across its membership,” said Dr. Thayne McCulloh, President of Gonzaga University and the Chair of the WCC Presidents’ Council. “We are pleased with the opportunity to support Oregon State and Washington State with affiliate membership. Their addition to the WCC augments the national competitive excellence and fortifies the strength of the Conference across these 12 sports. We look forward to partnering with these institutions as we continue to support our student-athletes, coaches, and programs across the full range of our sponsored sports.”

The West Coast Conference also extended an invitation to Washington State.

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