What's Happening?
Gonzaga University is set to join the Pac-12 basketball conference on July 1, 2026, expanding the conference to nine members. The conference will adopt a round-robin scheduling format, allowing each team to play every other team twice. This change will result in 16 conference games for Gonzaga, leaving room for 16 non-conference games. Gonzaga is finalizing an agreement to play Purdue in a doubleheader at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on November 2, 2026. This matchup is part of a multi-year series that also includes a game between UCLA and Arizona. Gonzaga has historically struggled against Purdue, with a 0-5 record dating back to 1998.
Why It's Important?
Gonzaga's move to the Pac-12 is significant as it enhances the competitive landscape of the conference by adding
a strong basketball program. The inclusion of Gonzaga is expected to increase the number of high-quality games, providing more opportunities for teams to secure important wins that can impact NCAA tournament seeding. The planned matchup with Purdue highlights Gonzaga's commitment to maintaining a challenging non-conference schedule, which is crucial for their national ranking and tournament preparation. This development also reflects the ongoing realignment and expansion trends in college sports, which can affect media rights and revenue distribution.
What's Next?
As Gonzaga prepares to join the Pac-12, the conference will likely continue to strategize on how to maximize the benefits of its expanded membership. This includes finalizing the scheduling details and ensuring that the new format meets the competitive and financial goals of the conference. The upcoming games, including the high-profile matchup with Purdue, will be closely watched as indicators of Gonzaga's integration into the Pac-12. Additionally, the conference may explore further expansion or partnerships to strengthen its position in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
