In an exciting development for college athletics, Gonzaga University, a dominant force in basketball, has announced its move to join the revamped Pac-12 Conference. The announcement was made on Tuesday, and comes as the Mountain West Conference also takes steps to secure its future by adding UTEP.
Gonzaga is leaving behind the West Coast Conference, where it has enjoyed significant success for over 25 years, to become the eighth member of the Pac-12. It will join current members Washington State and Oregon State, along with recent additions from the Mountain West: Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Colorado State. The Pac-12 is undergoing a transformation mostly centered on football, but Gonzaga’s presence will enhance the basketball landscape of the conference.
As of July 1, 2026, Gonzaga will participate in all sports within the Pac-12. This marks a historic moment as it will be the only private institution in the conference’s ranks.
“Today is a remarkable milestone for the Pac-12 as we welcome another exceptional institution with a rich legacy of success into our group,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould.
Despite Gonzaga’s addition, the Pac-12 still requires another football member to meet College Football Playoff (CFP) requirements, as Gonzaga does not have a football program.
Similarly, even with the inclusion of UTEP, the Mountain West is also seeking another football-playing institution. The Miners are set to leave Conference USA and join the Mountain West starting in 2026.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez commented, “The addition of UTEP restores historic rivalries with several of our member institutions within the geographic footprint and provides valuable exposure in the great State of Texas. We welcome UTEP and look forward to competing against their student-athletes.”
As both conferences strive to establish a secure future outside the established Power Four, Gonzaga’s entry into the Pac-12 significantly bolsters its basketball competitiveness. Last season, six schools from the Mountain West and the Pac-12, including Gonzaga, made the NCAA Tournament, with San Diego State reaching the national championship game two years ago.
Gonzaga’s athletic director, Chris Standiford, shared that discussions with the Pac-12 gained momentum over the weekend, and the school formally applied for membership on Monday night, which was met with unanimous approval.
“We are thrilled to join a conference that has such a strong tradition and a commitment to innovation as collegiate athletics continues to evolve,” Standiford stated.
In the past, Gonzaga has explored affiliations with the Big East and had discussions with the Big 12 regarding adding the school to its successful men’s basketball program, similar to what occurred with UConn earlier this year.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs have gained a reputation not only in men’s basketball, having reached the NCAA Tournament every year since 1998, including two Final Four appearances and eight seasons with at least 30 wins, but also as a competitive team in women’s basketball.
Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh expressed optimism about the membership, saying, “After discussions with the Pac-12 member presidents, I believe this membership will provide a chance to build a conference that envisions new and forward-thinking ways to support student-athletes in this rapidly changing world of collegiate sports.”
Meanwhile, UTEP’s transition marks its return to the Mountain West after nearly 40 years in the Western Athletic Conference and a stint in Conference USA starting in 2005. Joining the Mountain West allows the Miners to rekindle rivalries with familiar foes such as Nevada, San Jose State, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
UTEP President Heather Wilson expressed excitement about the move, stating, “This will undoubtedly benefit our student-athletes, our fans, and our community in El Paso. We look forward to rekindling former rivalries and welcoming teams and their supporters to our city.”
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