Gonzaga leaving West Coast Conference to join Pac-12 in 2026

Oct. 1—After more than four decades in the West Coast Conference, Gonzaga’s athletic programs will have a new home beginning in the fall of 2026.

The Bulldogs accepted an invitation to the Pac-12 Conference on Tuesday morning, adding a strong basketball presence to the newly-formed league that now has eight members and seven full-time football members.

Gonzaga is joining a conference that includes two traditional Pac-12 members in Washington State and Oregon State, along with a group of five former Mountain West schools, including Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Fresno State and Utah State.

The Pac-12 still needs an eighth full-time, football-playing member to qualify for FBS status by 2026.

“We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead,” Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said in a press release. “President McCulloh and Athletics Director Chris Standiford not only bring strategic expertise and forward thinking to the conference, but they are two incredible leaders who care deeply about student success and fortifying student-athlete academic and athletic experiences.

“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 grown into a college basketball power during a 45-year tenure in the West Coast Conference, qualifying for every NCAA Tournament since 1999, advancing to nine consecutive Sweet 16s and making two national championship appearances, in 2017 and 2021.

The school has been diligent in exploring moves outside the WCC for much of the last two decades, however, and Gonzaga’s athletic administrators have met with and spoken to the Big-12 Conference, Big East Conference, Pac-12 Conference and Mountain West Conference, although varying circumstances have ultimately led the Bulldogs to stay put.

Approximately one week ago, Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reported that Gonzaga was on the move and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gonzaga-leaving-west-coast-conference-020200903.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-10-02 02:02:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.