Gonzaga to Join Pac-12 in 2026: A New Era for the Conference

In a significant development for collegiate athletics, Gonzaga University has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, effective July 1, 2026. This move marks a new chapter in the conference's expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

Gonzaga's Athletic and Academic Excellence

Gonzaga University is renowned for its athletic achievements, particularly in men's basketball. The Bulldogs have made the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament field in each of the last 25 seasons since 1999, including a run to the National Championship in 2021. Additionally, Gonzaga boasts 78 West Coast Conference (WCC) titles, 138 All-Americans, and six 30-win seasons in baseball over the last eight years. The university's women's rowing team has secured nine consecutive WCC titles, and the men's cross country team has appeared in four straight National Championships.

Academically, Gonzaga excels with a 96 percent graduation success rate and a combined student-athlete grade-point average of 3.51 for the Spring 2024 semester. The university has also seen 108 student-athletes earn President's List Honors and 100 earn Dean's List Honors, with 55 achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA during the same semester.

Impact on the Pac-12 Conference

The addition of Gonzaga to the Pac-12 is expected to significantly boost the conference's men's basketball reputation. Gonzaga joins other incoming members such as Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, San Diego State University, and Utah State University. These new members have collectively made 18 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearances since the 2021 tournament, with Gonzaga and San Diego State each appearing in the tournament for the last four seasons.

The Pac-12 Conference, known for its rich tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics, continues to build on this legacy with the inclusion of Gonzaga. Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed her delight in welcoming Gonzaga, highlighting the university's strategic expertise and commitment to student success and athletic experiences.

Future Implications and Collaborations

Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh emphasized the opportunities this membership will bring, including enhanced student recruitment and enrollment, academic collaborations with new faculty colleagues, and multi-institutional collaborations that align with the university's Jesuit identity and tradition.

Oregon State University and Washington State University will continue as members of the Pac-12 Conference during the 2025-26 academic season as part of a NCAA two-year grace period before the six new members officially join. The collective eight universities will work together to chart future conference considerations and expansions.

The integration of Gonzaga into the Pac-12 is part of a broader conference realignment that is reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics. This move reflects the evolving nature of college sports, where conferences are seeking innovative ways to support student-athletes and maintain competitive excellence. For more on conference realignments and their impact, see the history of college athletic conferences.

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