Gonzaga University is set to join the Pac-12 conference, marking a significant departure from its long-standing affiliation with the West Coast Conference (WCC).
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While the move bolsters the Pac-12’s basketball competitiveness, the conference still needs to secure another football-playing member to maintain balance in its lineup. Gonzaga, primarily known for its powerhouse basketball program, does not have a football team, leaving a gap that the Pac-12 must fill to meet its football-related requirements and maintain parity within the league.The Pac-12, which has seen its share of changes, is now looking to further expand its football membership as part of a larger realignment strategy following Gonzaga’s inclusion. The transition represents a shift in Gonzaga’s trajectory, elevating its presence in a more competitive landscape while leaving behind the WCC, where it had been a dominant force in basketball.Further steps for the Pac-12 will involve seeking out a suitable football-playing institution to join, ensuring that the conference remains balanced across all sports.
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Gonzaga University announced on Tuesday that it will be leaving the West Coast Conference (WCC) to join the Pac-12 Conference starting in 2026. Known for its powerhouse men's basketball program, Gonzaga’s move will elevate the Pac-12’s basketball presence but leaves a gap in football, as the Zags do not have a football team. This brings the conference to eight members in basketball but leaves it at seven for football.
Last month, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State announced they would be leaving the Mountain West to join the Pac-12, bringing it closer to the necessary eight members to qualify as an official FBS football conference. The Pac-12 now needs one more football-playing school to meet the requirement.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould welcomed Gonzaga, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead."
After the recent exodus of schools—Cal and Stanford to the ACC, and Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington to the Big Ten—along with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah joining the Big 12, Oregon State and Washington State remained, giving the Pac-12 a chance to rebuild.
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With the inclusion of top Mountain West programs, the conference gains a strong foundation, especially in basketball. Gonzaga’s success, including a streak of NCAA Tournament appearances since 1998 and two Final Four appearances, bolsters the Pac-12’s competitive stature.
Additionally, the other new members—Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State—have recently made NCAA Tournament appearances, with San Diego State notably reaching the Final Four in 2023. This sets the Pac-12 up for a significant resurgence, especially in college basketball.
While the move bolsters the Pac-12’s basketball competitiveness, the conference still needs to secure another football-playing member to maintain balance in its lineup. Gonzaga, primarily known for its powerhouse basketball program, does not have a football team, leaving a gap that the Pac-12 must fill to meet its football-related requirements and maintain parity within the league.
The Pac-12, which has seen its share of changes, is now looking to further expand its football membership as part of a larger realignment strategy following Gonzaga’s inclusion. The transition represents a shift in Gonzaga’s trajectory, elevating its presence in a more competitive landscape while leaving behind the WCC, where it had been a dominant force in basketball.
Further steps for the Pac-12 will involve seeking out a suitable football-playing institution to join, ensuring that the conference remains balanced across all sports.
Gonzaga University announced on Tuesday that it will be leaving the West Coast Conference (WCC) to join the Pac-12 Conference starting in 2026. Known for its powerhouse men's basketball program, Gonzaga’s move will elevate the Pac-12’s basketball presence but leaves a gap in football, as the Zags do not have a football team. This brings the conference to eight members in basketball but leaves it at seven for football.
Last month, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State announced they would be leaving the Mountain West to join the Pac-12, bringing it closer to the necessary eight members to qualify as an official FBS football conference. The Pac-12 now needs one more football-playing school to meet the requirement.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould welcomed Gonzaga, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead."
After the recent exodus of schools—Cal and Stanford to the ACC, and Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington to the Big Ten—along with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah joining the Big 12, Oregon State and Washington State remained, giving the Pac-12 a chance to rebuild.
With the inclusion of top Mountain West programs, the conference gains a strong foundation, especially in basketball. Gonzaga’s success, including a streak of NCAA Tournament appearances since 1998 and two Final Four appearances, bolsters the Pac-12’s competitive stature.
Additionally, the other new members—Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State—have recently made NCAA Tournament appearances, with San Diego State notably reaching the Final Four in 2023. This sets the Pac-12 up for a significant resurgence, especially in college basketball.
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