Basketball powerhouse Gonzaga has announced its move to join the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference, departing from the West Coast Conference where it has been a dominant force for the past 25 years. The Pac-12, which has been focusing on strengthening its basketball presence, will welcome Gonzaga as its eighth member, alongside existing teams Washington State and Oregon State, as well as new additions Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Colorado State.
While Gonzaga's addition bolsters the Pac-12's basketball lineup, the conference still requires another football-playing member for College Football Playoff (CFP) considerations, a sport in which Gonzaga does not participate. Notably, several of the incoming Pac-12 schools, including Gonzaga, have recently made appearances in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, with San Diego State even reaching the national championship game two seasons ago.
The Pac-12's recent efforts to revamp its lineup for a 2026 relaunch saw the addition of five schools from the Mountain West Conference, in addition to retaining Washington State and Oregon State. Gonzaga, known for its consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and impressive track record, had previously explored conference affiliations with the Big East and the Big 12.
Having excelled not only in men's basketball but also in women's basketball, Gonzaga's move to the Pac-12 marks a significant shift in the collegiate sports landscape. With a history of Final Four appearances and numerous 30-win seasons, Gonzaga's presence is expected to further elevate the competitive level within the Pac-12 Conference.
As Gonzaga prepares to embark on this new chapter in its athletic journey, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the impact the Bulldogs will have on the Pac-12's basketball programs and the broader collegiate sports community.
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