**Gonzaga Joins Rebuilt Pac-12, Boosting Conference’s Basketball Profile**

In a significant development for college athletics, Gonzaga University announced it will join the Pac-12 Conference, marking a major shift in the landscape of West Coast sports. The move, revealed on Tuesday, culminates years of discussions as the Zags sought to leverage their basketball prowess and prominent brand.

Gonzaga’s athletic director, Chris Standiford, emphasized the reciprocal benefits of the integration. "What we're able to bring to this conference is an enhancement to a basketball opportunity for them, but also what we got in return is a commitment that this conference really cares about basketball," he stated. The Bulldogs will move from the West Coast Conference, where they have been a dominant force for over 40 years, to join the Pac-12 by July 1, 2026.

The augmented Pac-12 lineup will now consist of eight members: Washington State, Oregon State, Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, Colorado State, and Gonzaga. Notably, this integration will make Gonzaga the only private university in the conference and, despite their lack of a football program, an important partner moving forward.

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed enthusiasm about the addition, calling it "an exciting milestone" and praising Gonzaga’s rich history of success. Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh also highlighted the university's role in shaping the future of the conference, indicating a strong commitment to leadership and governance within the Pac-12.

In parallel, the Mountain West Conference has swiftly moved to add UTEP to its roster, safeguarding its future amidst the shifting terrain of college sports conferences. As a former member of the Western Athletic Conference, UTEP will reconnect with familiar rivals, including Nevada, San Jose State, New Mexico, and Wyoming, beginning in 2026.

Despite the significant progress, both the Pac-12 and the Mountain West remain in search of additional football-playing members to strengthen their standings for the College Football Playoff. Yet, the addition of Gonzaga notably enhances the Pac-12’s basketball appeal, particularly given the Bulldogs' consistent appearances in the NCAA Tournament and their historical performances, including two Final Four entries and multiple 30-win seasons.

Gonzaga’s entry to the Pac-12 is a strategic win, not just for basketball but also for the broader athletic and academic initiatives it brings, promising an invigorated future for the reformed conference.