Pac-12 welcomes basketball powerhouse Gonzaga

Washington State University logo.

Gonzaga University announced today that it has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference, becoming the sixth university to begin the membership transition in the the century-old athletic conference’s reconstruction. The partnership is being hailed as an exciting chapter in the conference’s expansion history as it strategically builds a formidable basketball powerhouse.

“Today represents an exciting milestone for the Pac-12 as we welcome another outstanding institution with a rich history of success into our league,” said conference Commissioner Teresa Gould.

The Bulldogs will join the conference effective July 1, 2026, with competition beginning for all conference sports sponsored by the university in the 2026–27 academic year.

Oregon State University and Washington State University are currently operating as members of the Pac-12 Conference as part of a NCAA two-year grace period and will continue to do so for the 2025–26 academic season before the six new members officially join. The collective eight universities will collaboratively chart additional membership and other future conference considerations.

Today’s full announcement can be viewed online at the Pac-12 Conference website.

Next Story

Recent News

Inside WSU’s student-run hackathons

Hackathons have become a defining space for student innovation, with two taking center stage this year.

WSU recognized for support of first-generation students

The university’s elevation to FirstGen Forward Network Champion reflects growing enrollment, improved retention, and expanded support programs helping first-generation students succeed.