The Big West Conference was formed as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association on July 1, 1969. However, the unofficial history of the conference pre-dates that point of time, extending back to 1967. The PCAA began its 20th year of existence by changing its name to the Big West Conference. With the inclusion of the states of Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico into the loop, the term "Big West" more accurately represented the conference. In addition, Fresno State left the conference and was replaced by the University of Nevada, Reno, in the fall of 1992.