The Pac-12 Conference is welcoming Gonzaga University as its eighth member, marking another significant addition to the conference following the recent inclusion of five new teams. Gonzaga will officially join the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026, with competition commencing in the 2026-27 academic year.
The Pac-12 Conference continues to expand its footprint with the announcement of a new partnership with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The announcement came on Tuesday, with Gonzaga becoming the eighth member of the conference, effective July 1, 2026. Gonzaga will participate in all conference sports sponsored by the university, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
This latest addition to the Pac-12 follows a recent expansion that saw the conference welcome five new members: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State. These teams, like Gonzaga, will effectively join the Pac-12 before the 2026-2027 academic year.
Gonzaga Bulldogs to Join the Pac-12 Conference in Historic Expansion
Prior to these recent additions, the Pac-12 had been reduced to only two teams, Oregon State and Washington State, following the departures of several universities after last season. The conference has been actively seeking to expand and strengthen its ranks.
Gonzaga's entry into the Pac-12 is particularly significant, given its long-standing success in college basketball. As a member of the West Coast Conference for approximately 40 years, Gonzaga has established itself as one of the top teams in the nation. Over the past five seasons, the Bulldogs have an impressive combined record of 286-44 (86.7 winning percentage) in women's and men's basketball.
Gonzaga Bulldogs to Join the Pac-12 Conference in Historic Expansion
"We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead," said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. She added, "Today represents an exciting milestone for the Pac-12 as we welcome another outstanding institution with a rich history of success into our league."
Gonzaga's Athletics Director, Chris Standiford, expressed excitement over the move: "This is a great day for Gonzaga University. We are excited to join a conference with great tradition and a commitment to innovating during this evolving time in collegiate athletics."
Gonzaga Bulldogs to Join the Pac-12 Conference in Historic Expansion
The addition of Gonzaga strengthens the Pac-12's position in basketball and further expands its competitive landscape. The conference aims to continue expanding, aiming to recover from the losses of USC and UCLA, among other universities that have departed in recent years.
The Pac-12's expansion efforts underscore the ongoing changes and realignments within the world of college athletics. Conferences are seeking to increase their membership, leverage resources, and enhance their competitive positioning. The Pac-12's addition of Gonzaga is a strategic move that aligns with these broader trends, further solidifying the conference's status as a top-tier athletic institution.
