Pacific Coast Athletic Association

The Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), a major college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I, was founded in 1969. Originally, all PCAA members were located in California, but in later years the conference included members from inland states. As a result of this geographical shift, the PCAA was renamed the Big West Conference in 1988 when it added Utah State to its members.

Charter members (and years of membership) included California State-Los Angeles (1969-1974), Fresno State (1969-1988), Long Beach State (1969-1988), Pacific (1969-1988), San Diego State (1969-1976), San Jose State (1969-1988), and California-Santa Barbara (1969-1972).

Other former members (and years of membership) include California State-Fullerton (1974-1988), Nevada-Las Vegas (1982-1988), and New Mexico State (1983-1988).

Current conference affiliations (for football) of former members

• Mountain West Conference (2) - Nevada-Las Vegas and San Diego State
• Sun Belt Conference (1) - New Mexico State
• Western Athletic Conference (2) - Fresno State and San Jose State
• None (no active intercollegiate football program) (5) - California-Santa Barbara, California State-Fullerton, California State-Los Angeles, Long Beach State, and Pacific