Gonzaga Joins Rebuilt Pac-12 Conference

Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, has announced its decision to leave the West Coast Conference (WCC) and join the Pac-12 Conference starting July 1, 2026. This move comes amid significant conference realignment in collegiate athletics, particularly in response to the shifting landscape of college sports. Gonzaga's basketball program, known for its consistent success, including 25 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, will enhance the Pac-12's reputation in men's basketball, which has been a focus of the conference's rebuilding efforts. Despite not having a football program, Gonzaga will be the eighth member of the Pac-12, which still needs to add another football-playing school to meet NCAA requirements for full membership. The addition of Gonzaga is expected to bolster the Pac-12's basketball competitiveness, especially with other strong programs like San Diego State and Utah State also joining. Gonzaga's departure from the WCC represents a significant loss for that conference, which has relied heavily on the Bulldogs' success to maintain its status in college basketball. The move is seen as a strategic opportunity for Gonzaga to align with a more prestigious conference, enhancing its visibility and recruitment efforts while also providing new academic collaboration opportunities. As the Pac-12 continues to reshape itself, the focus remains on securing additional members to ensure its viability in both football and basketball.