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Writer's pictureMichaela Dunlap

Gonzaga Joins Pac-12 in 2026: A Game-Changer for College Basketball and Conference Realignment


Gonzaga University announced on October 1, 2024, that it will join the Pac-12 Conference as a basketball-only member starting in the 2026-27 season. 

This marks a historic shift for the school, which has been a dominant force in the West Coast Conference for decades. The move presents Gonzaga with an opportunity to regularly compete against stronger opponents and enhance its national profile.

 Additionally, it is expected to improve the university’s recruiting power, making the school even more attractive to top basketball talent.

For the Pac-12, Gonzaga’s addition brings a significant boost to its basketball stature. The conference, which has undergone dramatic changes after recent realignment, is focused on rebuilding its brand. 

Gonzaga’s transition to the Pac-12 comes at a time when the conference is rebuilding after a tumultuous period of realignment. Following the departure of powerhouses like UCLA and USC to the Big Ten, the Pac-12 has sought new members to maintain its relevance, particularly in basketball.

 The conference has already added Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and others, aiming to create a more competitive landscape across multiple sports. However, Gonzaga’s basketball-first focus is expected to anchor the conference’s push for elite-level competition in the sport.

With a rich history that includes multiple Final Four appearances and two national championship game appearances, Gonzaga provides a strong draw for media rights deals and TV contracts.

This move reflects broader trends in college athletics, where conferences are expanding beyond traditional football-focused strategies. The Pac-12 is not only positioning itself as a premier basketball conference but also exploring further additions to enhance its long-term stability​.


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