Gonzaga University announced on Tuesday that it will be leaving the West Coast Conference (WCC) to join the Pac-12 Conference, effective in the 2026-27 academic year. This move marks a significant shift in the college sports landscape, particularly in men's basketball.
Impact on Pac-12 Conference
The addition of Gonzaga, one of the most successful men's basketball programs in recent years, bolsters the Pac-12's basketball lineup. Gonzaga has appeared in the NCAA Tournament in every season since the 1998-99 campaign and has reached the second weekend of the tournament nine consecutive years. The Bulldogs most recently reached the Final Four in 2021, where they lost to Baylor in the national title game.
The Pac-12 has also expanded its football membership with the recent additions of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State from the Mountain West Conference. However, the conference still needs one more football-playing member to meet the eight-member minimum required to qualify as an official FBS conference.
Rebuilding the Pac-12
The Pac-12 has undergone significant changes due to conference realignment. Schools like Cal and Stanford have moved to the ACC, while Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington have joined the Big Ten. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah have moved to the Big 12. Despite these changes, the Pac-12 has managed to rebuild with the addition of strong programs from the Mountain West Conference.
With Oregon State and Washington State remaining in the Pac-12, the conference now includes a mix of established and new members. The basketball programs of Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State, all of which reached the NCAA Tournament last season, will join Gonzaga in strengthening the Pac-12's basketball presence.
Future Lineup of the Pac-12
As of 2026, the Pac-12 will consist of the following members: Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, and Gonzaga (which will not participate in football).
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed enthusiasm about Gonzaga's addition, stating, 'We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead.'
