Grand Canyon University to Join Mountain West Conference by 2026

The move comes after a brief commitment to the West Coast Conference, with GCU aiming to enhance its competitive edge in collegiate sports.

Grand Canyon University will join the Mountain West Conference by 2026, transitioning from its current Western Athletic Conference membership.
The decision follows the university's initial plan to join the West Coast Conference, a move that was reconsidered after Gonzaga's shift to the Pac-12.
GCU will participate in 17 sports within the Mountain West, focusing heavily on its successful men's basketball program.
Mountain West's expansion includes GCU, UTEP, and Hawaii, as the conference seeks to strengthen its presence in collegiate sports.
The West Coast Conference expressed disappointment over GCU's decision, viewing it as a lost opportunity to enhance its basketball prestige.