Ayrton Oneill
The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represents San Diego State University (SDSU) and competes in the NCAA Division I as part of the Mountain West Conference (MW). The Aztecs have enjoyed success in the MW, winning several championships and producing notable alumni such as NBA star Kawhi Leonard. In 2024, SDSU announced its decision to join the Pac-12 Conference starting from the 2026-27 season, marking a new chapter in the university's athletic program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | San Diego State Aztecs |
| University | San Diego State University (SDSU) |
| Current Conference | Mountain West Conference (MW) |
| New Conference (from July 1, 2026) | Pac-12 Conference |
| Home Arena | Viejas Arena |
| NCAA Division | Division I |
| Number of NCAA Division I Tournament Appearances | 17 |
| Number of Mountain West Conference Tournament Wins | 7 |
| Number of Regular Season Titles | 9 |
| Number of Mountain West League Titles | 96 |
| Notable Alumni | Kawhi Leonard, Tony Gwynn |
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What You'll Learn
SDSU's basketball team is known as the Aztecs
The SDSU basketball team is known as the Aztecs. The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represents San Diego State University (SDSU) in NCAA Division I basketball as part of the Mountain West Conference (MW). The Aztecs have a rich history in college basketball, having joined NCAA Division I in 1969 and since appearing in seventeen NCAA Division I tournaments.
The Aztecs have experienced notable success in recent years, reaching the Sweet Sixteen three times, the Elite Eight, and the Final Four for the first time in the 2022-23 season. The Aztecs have also won seven Mountain West Conference tournaments and nine regular-season titles. Their home games are played at the Viejas Arena, located on the campus of San Diego State University, which has a capacity of 12,414 for basketball games.
The Aztecs have notable alumni, including 2-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Gwynn, who excelled in both basketball and baseball during his time at SDSU. The team has three main rivalries: the UNLV Rebels, the USD Toreros, and the BYU Cougars. The rivalry with the Rebels was particularly intense from 2010 to 2013, but it has since cooled down, with San Diego State dominating the matchup.
The Aztecs will be leaving the Mountain West Conference to join the Pac-12 Conference starting with the 2026-27 season. This move will see them compete against universities such as Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, and Fresno State. The decision to join the Pac-12 Conference was made to embrace new opportunities while continuing to pursue conference championships and develop leaders within the community.
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The Aztecs play in NCAA Division I
The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team represents San Diego State University (SDSU) and plays in NCAA Division I. The Aztecs have a rich history in college basketball, with notable alumni including 2-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Gwynn, who played both basketball and baseball for the team.
SDSU joined NCAA Division I in 1969, and the Aztecs have since appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament 17 times, reaching the Final Four for the first time in 2023. They compete as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW), and their home games are played at the Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.
The Aztecs have experienced success in the Mountain West Conference, winning seven tournament championships and nine regular-season titles. In addition to their basketball achievements, SDSU has excelled in other sports, winning a total of 96 league titles in the Mountain West.
However, recent news indicates that SDSU will be leaving the Mountain West Conference. In 2024, it was announced that the Aztecs had accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, with the move officially taking place on July 1, 2026. This decision was influenced by the potential for exciting partnerships, financial growth, and the opportunity to attract top-tier talent. The Aztecs will join other universities in the Pac-12, including Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, and Colorado State.
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The team is joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2026
San Diego State University's basketball team, the Aztecs, will be joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2026. This move will see the team leave the Mountain West Conference, where they have enjoyed considerable success, including winning a record 96 league titles.
The Aztecs will officially become a member of the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026, joining league stalwarts Oregon State and Washington State, as well as other new members Boise State, Colorado State, and Fresno State. The team's director of athletics, John David Wicker, expressed excitement about the move, stating that while they are grateful for their time in the Mountain West, they are eager to embrace new opportunities and continue their success in the Pac-12.
The Pac-12 Conference is also welcoming Texas State in 2026, which will bring the total number of members to nine. Texas State's addition was seen as a significant step forward, with the university's athletic director, Don Coryell, calling it "a new era" and highlighting the university's commitment to excellence and rising national profile.
The Aztecs' move to the Pac-12 is more than just a change of conference; it signifies the team's ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. With a strong record of success in both football and men's basketball, the Aztecs have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their combined .727 winning percentage in football and men's basketball since the fall of 2010 ranks first in the country, ahead of powerhouses like Ohio State and Oregon.
The Pac-12 Conference will provide the Aztecs with a platform to showcase their talent and continue their winning ways. The conference has also recently signed a media rights agreement with CBS, ensuring that the team's performances will be broadcast to a wide audience, further elevating their profile and exposure.
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The Aztecs have won 96 league titles
San Diego State University's basketball team, the Aztecs, have won 96 league titles. The Aztecs have enjoyed a rich history of success in college athletics, with a strong showing in both football and basketball.
The Aztecs have a proud footballing tradition, playing their first bowl game in 1948 and winning their first major-college bowl game in 1969. The team has produced notable athletes, including Xander Schauffele, the former Aztec men's golfer who won two major championships in 2024. The Aztecs have also excelled in basketball, with a combined .727 winning percentage in men's basketball and football since the fall of 2010, ranking first in the country.
The Aztecs' success in basketball has been further highlighted by their 96 league titles. This impressive feat includes the most championships in each of the last three years. In the 2023-24 campaign, the Aztecs captured six Mountain West (MW) championships across various sports, including women's soccer (regular season), swimming & diving, men's golf, women's tennis (tournament), and softball (regular season and tournament).
The Aztecs' basketball team has contributed significantly to the university's athletic prowess. The team's success has been built on a strong foundation, with a focus on developing talented players and coaches. Their achievements have brought recognition to San Diego State University, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in college athletics.
The Aztecs' 96 league titles stand as a testament to the team's consistent excellence and dominant presence in college basketball. As San Diego State University joins the Pac-12 Conference for the 2026-27 season, the Aztecs will continue to build upon their legacy, pursuing further championships and athletic accomplishments.
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The team plays home games at Viejas Arena
The San Diego State Aztecs basketball team plays its home games at Viejas Arena, a 12,414-seat venue on the San Diego State University campus. The arena, which opened in 1997, is considered one of the premier on-campus basketball facilities in the United States. It is built directly into a canyon hillside, enclosing one end of the old horseshoe-shaped Aztec Bowl stadium, which hosted SDSU football games and other events from its construction until Viejas Arena opened.
Viejas Arena features a unique open-air concourse design, allowing fans to enjoy San Diego's pleasant climate while attending games and other events. The arena's naming rights were originally owned by Cox Communications, and it was known as Cox Arena until July 1, 2009. On March 17, 2009, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians signed a 10-year naming rights agreement, renaming the arena Viejas Arena.
In addition to hosting SDSU basketball games, Viejas Arena has been the venue for various notable events, including NCAA basketball tournament games, the NCAA women's volleyball national championship, and concerts by world-renowned artists such as Cher, Eric Clapton, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Foo Fighters. The basketball court at Viejas Arena was named Steve Fisher Court in 2015, after the former head coach of the men's basketball team, Steve Fisher.
The Aztecs have enjoyed considerable success in basketball, with a combined .727 winning percentage in men's basketball and football since the fall of 2010, ranking first in the country. SDSU will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning with the 2026-27 season, marking a new era for the university's athletics program.
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Frequently asked questions
SDSU basketball, also known as the San Diego State Aztecs, will be joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.
The SDSU basketball team currently plays in the Mountain West Conference (MW).
SDSU basketball joined the Mountain West Conference in 1999. Before that, they were in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) from 1978 to 1998.
Yes, SDSU basketball has had quite a history of conference realignment. Before joining the WAC, they were in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), now known as the Big West Conference. They also previously competed in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and the NAIA Division I.
