Gonzaga announced as latest team to join the Pac-12 Conference
Gonzaga University will be joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2026 after getting unanimous approval from the conference’s Board of Directors and university presidents on Monday.
The Pac-12 announced the addition in a press release on Tuesday. The Bulldogs will elevate the competition level of men’s and women’s basketball and will compete in other sports including baseball, volleyball, soccer and track and field.
Gonzaga does not have a football program and won’t be a full member, leaving the Pac-12 one team shy of reaching the NCAA required eight schools to be recognized as a conference. The conference will still need to add one more school with football prior to the 2026 season.
Even without football, Gonzaga is reportedly receiving a full share of the conference’s revenue distribution. The Bulldogs have been elite in men’s and women’s basketball.
Over the last five seasons, Gonzaga boasts a 286-44 (86.7 winning percentage) combined record in women’s and men’s basketball. Their women’s program has amassed a record of 138-23 (85.7 winning percentage) since the start of the 2019-20 season, and the men’s program is a national-best 148-21 (87.6 winning percentage).
The Gonzaga men are the only program in the country to appear in each of the last nine Sweet Sixteens, matching the longest streak since the NCAA Tournament expanded in 1985, as well as five Elite Eight appearances over the last nine NCAA Tournaments.
The women’s program, led by coach Lisa Fortier, is coming off a school record 32-4 historic season that ended in the program’s fifth Sweet 16 appearance.
“We are delighted to welcome Gonzaga into the Pac-12 as they embark with us on this incredible path ahead,” Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said in the release. “President Thayne 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.”
