Gonzaga Joins Pac-12, Strengthening Conference's Basketball Lineup

The Bulldogs will leave the West Coast Conference and start competing in the Pac-12 in 2026, amid ongoing conference realignment.

Gonzaga University will become the eighth member of the Pac-12 Conference starting July 1, 2026.
The Pac-12 has been rebuilding after losing 10 members to other power conferences over the past year.
Gonzaga's move enhances the Pac-12's basketball profile, adding a program with nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.
The Mountain West Conference has added UTEP to reach eight football programs, maintaining its FBS status.
The Pac-12 still needs to secure an eighth football-playing member to meet NCAA requirements for FBS eligibility.