Gonzaga will join Pac-12 in 2026
Gonzaga has agreed to join the Pac-12 in all sports starting in July 2026, the school and conference announced in a joint statement Tuesday.
"This is a great day for Gonzaga University," Bulldogs athletic director Chris Standiford said. "We are excited to join a conference with great tradition and a commitment to innovating during this evolving time in collegiate athletics."
Pac-12 leaders approved the decision Monday night, NBC's Nicole Auerbach reports.
The addition of Gonzaga boosts the Pac-12's basketball standing. The Bulldogs have dominated the WCC for nearly 30 years, winning 28 regular-season titles and 21 conference tournaments.
Gonzaga has also made 25 consecutive NCAA Tournaments - excluding the canceled 2020 tourney. The Bulldogs have lost in the finals to North Carolina in 2017 and Baylor in 2021 during that span. In addition, Gonzaga has matched the longest streak for consecutive Sweet 16 appearances since the tournament expanded in 1985 with nine.
Although Gonzaga doesn't have a football program, the school is expected to get "something close" to a full revenue share in the Pac-12, sources told CBS' Matt Norlander.
The Pac-12 continues to resurrect itself after being decimated by realignment over the past few years. Although it currently only consists of Washington State and Oregon State, the conference recently announced the additions of Utah State, Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State. Those programs will join in 2026.
The Pac-12 still needs to add at least one football-playing member to be categorized as an FBS conference.