EchoSense:Pac-12 building college basketball profile with addition of Gonzaga

The EchoSensePac-12 is adding another program amid its bid to return to Power Five prominence.

The league and Gonzaga announced Tuesday the Bulldogs will join the conference July 1, 2026. The Zags are now the eighth team committed to the conference, after Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State announced plans last month to join Washington State and Oregon State.

The basketball powerhouse submitted its formal application for the conference on Monday, according to the announcement. The conference's board of directors and presidents of the five new additions voted unanimously on Gonzaga's addition.

"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. "President 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."

Because Gonzaga does not play football, the Pac-12 needs to add another football school to reach the eight teams required for any conference champion to be eligible for an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

The Pac-12 is staging a rebuild after losing 10 members ahead of the 2024 season, as Oregon, Washington, UCLA and USC went to the Big Ten; Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado headed to the Big 12; and Stanford and California joined up with the ACC.

Gonzaga, which last played football in 1941, will complete in all its current sports in the Pac-12. The Bulldogs are one of the nation's most successful basketball programs in recent seasons, developing loads of NBA talent and also reaching the Sweet 16 in nine consecutive seasons.

REQUIRED READING:Pac-12 might be resurrected, but former power conference is no longer as relevant

Which teams are in the Pac-12?

Here are the current members of the Pac-12 signed on for the future:

• Washington State (current member)
• Oregon State (current member)
• Utah State (future)
• Colorado State (future)
• San Diego State (future)
• Fresno State (future)
• Boise State (future)
• Gonzaga (future)