US EditionUniversity of Denver Joins New Athletic Conference
The University of Denver will join the West Coast Conference in nine sports starting in 2026, aligning with private West Coast schools despite Gonzaga's exit, ESPN reported.
- On July 1, 2026, the University of Denver will join the West Coast Conference, leaving the Summit League effective June 30, 2026, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Friday.
- Following recent realignment moves, including UC San Diego, University of Denver joins the West Coast Conference in recent months, shifting from the Summit League where it has been a member since 2013.
- The Pioneers will compete in nine sports, including men's and women's basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, and tennis; the West Coast Conference will have 10 members next year with Denver included.
- After Denver's exit, the Summit will have eight basketball schools, while men's basketball faces a tougher WCC challenge and ice hockey will likely remain in the NCHC.
- The West Coast Conference now spans four states and adds Denver, which reports said will bring a major media market, as Christopher Callahan praised the school's strength.
27 Articles
27 Articles
University of Denver to join Seattle University in West Coast Conference
The University of Denver will join the West Coast Conference (WCC) — which recently welcomed Seattle University — in July, becoming the league’s 11th member, the conference announced Friday. “This is an exciting day for DU and an incredible opportunity to continue to advance our exceptional academic and athletic programs,” University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner said. “The excellence of schools that are part of the West Coast Conference i…
Associated Press News
Denver joining the West Coast Conference, which is looking to expand to 12 schools
The University of Denver is joining the West Coast Conference. The league’s presidents’ council approved Denver’s admittance beginning July 1, 2026.
Denver will leave Summit League to join WCC
DENVER — Longtime Summit League member Denver University will join the West Coast Conference next year, according to media reports. ESPN’s Pete Thamel posted on social media Friday morning that Denver was leaving the Summit and the Denver Post reported the same, citing university sources. The Pioneers will join the WCC in 2026 and compete in nine sports. The school’s successful men’s ice hockey team will likely remain in the National Collegiate …
Gilbert Sun News
University of Denver Accepts Invitation to Join the West Coast Conference
DENVER, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Denver (DU) has accepted a formal invitation to join the West Coast Conference. The new alignment takes effect on July 1, 2026, and positions DU to join highly regarded academic and…
University of Denver moving to West Coast Conference in 2026, according to report
DU is moving from the Summit League to the West Coast Conference in 2026. The Pioneers will be a member of the conference in nine sports, but DU will remain in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference for its marquee sport.
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