DBU Baseball Joins the Pac-12

Dallas Baptist University announced today that DBU Baseball has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference as an affiliate member on July 1, 2026, with the Patriots' inaugural Pac-12 season set for 2027. The move represents yet another defining moment in the program's storied history and positions DBU within one of college baseball's most competitive and tradition-rich leagues.

"This is a historic step for DBU Baseball and Dallas Baptist University," said DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright. "The Pac-12's tradition of excellence will provide our student-athletes a national platform worthy of their talent and character, while aligning with DBU's mission to develop Christ-centered servant leaders who compete with integrity and distinction on the field, in the classroom, and in life."

Beginning in the spring of 2027, DBU will compete alongside six established programs, a group that includes national champions Oregon State and Fresno State, as well as Washington State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Texas State. Collectively, the Pac-12's current members have won four national championships in the last 20 years. DBU's arrival and a revitalized Pac-12 situates the program within a conference steeped in history and national prestige.

"This is yet another significant moment in the history of DBU Athletics," DBU Director of Athletics Matt Duce said. "DBU Baseball’s legacy stretches back decades, shaped by the dedication of players and coaches who laid the foundation for today’s success. Over the last two decades, Coach Heefner and the Patriots have carried that tradition to even greater heights, and joining the Pac-12 is the latest milestone in a storied history. On behalf of our alumni, players, and fans, I would like to thank Commissioner Teresa Gould, the Pac-12 leadership team, and the member institutions for this exciting opportunity."

Under the direction of Head Coach Dan Heefner, DBU Baseball has become a consistent presence on the national stage. Since taking the helm in 2008, Heefner has guided DBU Baseball to 14 NCAA regional appearances, including each of the last 11 seasons—a feat matched by only four other programs nationwide. The Patriots have also captured 10 conference championships across two leagues in the past 11 years.

"We are excited for the challenge and the opportunity that the Pac-12 Conference brings to our program," said Head Coach Dan Heefner. "The Pac-12 features elite programs and passionate fan bases. Our guys embrace big moments, and we are grateful for the chance to represent DBU in the Pac-12."

DBU's move to the Pac-12 comes on the heels of a four-year stint in Conference USA. Since joining CUSA in 2023, DBU quickly made its mark, capturing regular season championships in 2023 and 2025, along with the CUSA Tournament title in 2024. Prior to their time in CUSA, the Patriots spent nine years in the Missouri Valley Conference, where they won three regular-season titles and four conference tournament championships. 

"As we build a new league upon our conference’s storied past, we are ecstatic to welcome DBU Baseball and its top-caliber program to help write our next chapter," said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. "With the strength of our new baseball league and amazing communities across our seven programs, including the Patriots’ passionate fanbase, we cannot wait for our official first pitch!"

DBU was aided in its transition to the Pac-12 by CSA Search & Consulting and its President, Drew Turner.

DBU Baseball by the Numbers

• 7th-highest average number of wins in the nation per year since 2015 (42.5)
• 14 NCAA regional appearances in last 17 seasons
• 150 MLB draft picks in program history
• 27 All-Americans since 2006
• 12 40-win seasons in the last 14 years