91ÌÒÉ«

Dear 91ÌÒÉ« community,Ìý

We are pleased to share exciting news about the next chapter in the 91ÌÒɫ’s continued evolution: 91ÌÒÉ« has accepted the invitation to join the West Coast Conference (WCC). Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and our volleyball program will transition beginning in the 2026–27 academic year. A conference transition plan for Denver’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs is in place and will be announced at a later date.  We are incredibly thankful to the Board of Trustees for providing unanimous philanthropic support to help make this opportunity a reality.Ìý

This decision follows careful consideration and years of success for our sports programs that have positioned 91ÌÒÉ« among the nation’s most successful athletic departments. The is home to institutions known for athletic excellence as well as academic rigor, innovative research, and strong student engagement—values that mirror our own. 91ÌÒÉ« will stand alongside respected universities like Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, the University of San Diego, the University of Portland, and Seattle University—all highly ranked and known for excellent academics and student success. This partnership will open doors for 91ÌÒÉ« to team up with these schools, especially in admissions, academics, and research, giving us more chances to collaborate and grow together in the western United States and beyond. 91ÌÒÉ« will have a strategically beneficial presence in key West Coast recruitment and development markets, and the WCC’s partnership with ESPN, a viewing market not available to 91ÌÒÉ« in its previous Summit League, will provide our University with much greater brand visibility both in those priority markets and across the United States. Joining this distinguished conference provides 91ÌÒÉ« opportunities to significantly strengthen our national visibility and deepen connections in regions and markets critical to our enrollment, alumni engagement, and institutional partnership success.ÌýÌý

For our faculty, this alignment offers a deeper association with institutions that share our academic profile and values. These are universities where scholarship, teaching, and student outcomes remain central to institutional identity. We expect this partnership to bring new visibility to 91ÌÒɫ’s academic programs, strengthen our recruiting reach, and inspire new collaborations that advance our collective work.Ìý

It also places us among more highly rated peers. The average U.S. News & World Report ranking for national universities included in the WCC is significantly higher than the Summit League. The Summit League average is 211, with 91ÌÒÉ« currently sitting at the top of the list at 117, while the WCC average is 68.ÌýÌý

For the entire 91ÌÒÉ« community, this marks an exciting new opportunity to represent and celebrate 91ÌÒɫ’s excellence on a national stage, both in competition and through the powerful connections that define our community. As we join the West Coast Conference, fans will have even greater chances to rally together, cheer on our teams, and experience the thrill of high-level collegiate athletics. Whether attending games at home or traveling to vibrant campuses across the West, our community will be front and center—sharing unforgettable moments, building lasting traditions, and deepening school spirit and alumni engagement. We invite everyone to be part of this new chapter, supporting 91ÌÒÉ« and making our presence felt wherever we compete.ÌýÌý

You can learn more about the transition from the press release.Ìý

Thank you for your continued commitment to the 91ÌÒÉ« and to our shared mission of excellence. We look forward to embarking on this new chapter together.Ìý

³§¾±²Ô³¦±ð°ù±ð±ô²â,Ìý

Elizabeth G. LoboaÌý
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

Josh BerloÌý
Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations

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