SPOKANE, Wash – Gonzaga University confirmed Tuesday morning it’s leaving the WCC and heading to the Pac-12.
Gonzaga sent an email confirming the news Tuesday morning, just as the Pac-12 Conference posted to Twitter/X and included a Pac-12 logo alongside the Gonzaga logo.
Gonzaga is the eight school to join the transformed conference, joining Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, Boise State and San Diego State.
The Zags will join the conference July 1, 2026 with competition for all conference sports beginning that fall.
“We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead,” remarked Commissioner Teresa Gould. “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.”
In its announcement Tuesday morning, Gonzaga touted the Pac-12 rebuilding in this “transformative era” and said the conference is strategically building a “formidable basketball powerhouse.”
Gonzaga leaves the West Coast Conference. It’s been a member of the WCC since 1979.
“I believe membership will represent an opportunity to participate in building a conference that imagines new, forward-thinking ways to support student-athletes in a rapidly changing collegiate sports landscape,” said Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh. “Partnerships with a new group of universities can also assist in our student recruitment and enrollment efforts, create opportunities for academic collaboration with new faculty colleagues, and attract more students who value an excellent education distinctively rooted in our Jesuit identity and tradition.”
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