Gonzaga accepts invitation to Pac-12 Conference

SAN RAMON, CA – The Pac-12 Conference and Gonzaga University are proud to announce their partnership and celebrate the addition of the eighth university in this transformative era for the century-old conference. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in the conference's expansion story as it strategically builds a formidable basketball powerhouse.

This announcement follows the inclusion of Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, San Diego State University and Utah State University, together strengthening the geographical foundation of the conference while strengthening its national presence and its Strengthen reputation in basketball and football.

The Pac-12 Conference received a formal application for membership from Gonzaga University on September 30, 2024. The conference's board of directors and its five new member presidents voted unanimously to approve Gonzaga University, an exemplary higher education institution that prepares students for a life of leadership and public service. With an iconic basketball program, the Gonzaga Bulldogs align with the Pac-12's commitment to excellence in academics and athletics. The Bulldogs will join the conference effective July 1, 2026, with competition for all university-sponsored conference sports beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.

“We are excited to welcome Gonzaga to the Pac-12 as they journey with us on this incredible journey ahead,” noted Commissioner Teresa Gould. “Not only do President McCulloh and Director of Athletics Chris Standiford bring strategic expertise and forward-thinking to the conference, but they are also two incredible leaders who care deeply about student success and strengthening the academic and athletic experiences of student-athletes. Today marks an exciting milestone for the Pac-12 as we welcome another outstanding institution with a rich history of success to our league.”

By integrating Gonzaga University into the Pac-12, the conference is positioned to compete at the highest levels of women's and men's basketball. Over the last five seasons, Gonzaga has a combined record of 286-44 (86.7 winning percentage) in women's and men's basketball. Their women's program has compiled a record of 138-23 (85.7 winning percentage) since the start of the 2019-20 season, and the men's program is the best in the nation at 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, marking the longest streak since the NCAA Tournament was expanded in 1985, as well as five Elite Eight appearances in the last nine NCAA Tournaments . Legendary head coach Mark Few currently has the best winning percentage among active head coaches at 83.4 percent, which is also the best in the NCAA Div. I have completed all times with at least 10 relays. This commitment to excellence extends to the entire Gonzaga community, as every game at the McCarthey Athletic Center has been sold out since it opened in 2004 (297 consecutive games) and every home game since the 2001-02 season (319 consecutive games). .

The women's program, led by head coach Lisa Fortier, is coming off a historic record 32-4 season that ended with the program's fifth Sweet 16 appearance. It was the 15th of the show^Th Appearance in the NCAA Tournament, including her seventh straight. Fortier was named Kathy Delaney-Smith Coach of the Year after the season. The GU women have won a program-record 36 consecutive home games, which ranks as the second-longest active streak in the country.

“After discussions with Pac-12 member presidents, I believe membership will represent an opportunity to participate in building a conference that introduces new, forward-thinking ways to support student-athletes in a rapidly changing collegiate sports landscape,” Thayne said , Gonzaga University President McCulloh. “Partnerships with a new group of universities can also support our student recruitment and enrollment efforts, create opportunities for academic collaboration with new faculty colleagues, and attract more students who value an outstanding education that is distinctive in our Jesuit identity and tradition is rooted. This is especially true for me.” We are excited about the opportunities that partnering with this group of institutions can provide our students, faculty and staff to work across multiple institutions.”

Gonzaga University continues to excel in academic and athletic achievements. The university boasts 78 West Coast Conference (WCC) titles, 138 All-Americans and six 30-win seasons in baseball over the last eight years, as well as nine consecutive WCC titles in women's rowing. They won the 2023 Women's Soccer World Cup title and their men's cross-country team has competed in four consecutive national championships. The GU women's cross country team is currently ranked No. 23 nationally.


“This is a great day for Gonzaga University,” said Gonzaga athletics director Chris Standiford. “We are excited to participate in a conference with great tradition and a commitment to innovation during this changing time in college sports. I would like to thank Commissioner Teresa Gould for her leadership as these discussions progressed in earnest over the weekend, our consensus became clear, and our vision was shared.


Gonzaga University also regularly achieves academic success. The Bulldogs have 33 College Sports Communicators Academic All-Americans, a 96 percent graduation pass rate, and an Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 993. Their combined grade point average of 3.51 for the spring 2024 semester marked the 17th consecutive semester with a department-high GPA over 3.30 and a ninth grade over 3.45. During the spring semester, Gonzaga had 108 student-athletes earn President's List Honors (3.85 semester GPA or higher), ranking second all-time in department history, and 100 received Dean's List Honors overall “ (3.5-3.84 semester GPA). of 208 award winners. Additionally, 55 Bulldog student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average, which matched the department record. The Bulldogs' student-athletes demonstrated their commitment as service-oriented leaders, providing over 3,000 hours of community service in 2023-24.

Gonzaga's addition to the Pac-12 greatly enhances the league's reputation in men's basketball and is complemented by the recent successes of future and current members. Of the future eight members, seven have appeared in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament over the past four seasons, with a total of 18 appearances during that time (since the 2021 tournament), including Gonzaga's run to the 2021 National Championship and San Diego State's National Championship appearance that year 2023. Additionally, four of the future eight members have reached the NCAA Tournament in the last two seasons, three of the eight in each of the last three seasons and both Gonzaga and San Diego State in each of the last four seasons, while the Bulldogs have achieved in each of the last 25 tournaments since 1999.

The Pac-12 Conference has a proud tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics. This tradition continues to expand with the addition of Gonzaga University as well as new members Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, San Diego State University and Utah State University.


Oregon State University and Washington State University currently serve as members of the Pac-12 Conference under a two-year grace period from the NCAA and will continue to do so through the 2025-26 academic season before the six new members officially join. The total eight universities will jointly determine additional memberships and other future conference considerations.