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I think athletically they are a solid addition. A growing area. Public university with huge enrollment (42k plus). A true commuter school, no on campus dorms.
They don't bring the SLC market with them really, but I feel much better about them coming aboard than I did when Bakersfield came aboard.
As for the travel, Davis and Hawaii leaving negates the affect. Sure they are awkward being isolated but no more so than Hawaii was. Davis is half the drive time, so while isolated, travel was easier to Davis.
As for the 12th member, I have strong feelings we're getting Sac State once they figure out their FBS push at the end of the month. 
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Utah Valley will move from the WAC to the Big West starting in 2026-27. Commissioner Dan Butterly: "UVU brings a tradition of competitive excellence and a rapidly growing athletic program that aligns perfectly with our membership and vision for the future. Their addition expands our geographic footprint into a vibrant and strategically significant region, while elevating the level of competition across the board. We look forward to the energy and excitement the Wolverines will bring to The Big West.” Of note: “Though the potential for adding a 12th conference member remains, the addition of Utah Valley and the previous addition of California Baptist University returns The Big West to an 11-team conference in the 2026-27 season.”
https://bigwest.org/news/2025/6/4/utah-valley-university-joins-the-big-west.aspx
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on 6/4/2025, 12:12 pm, in reply to "