GCU Chooses Mountain West, Leaves WCC

Grand Canyon University (GCU) has announced its decision to join the Mountain West Conference by July 2026, departing from its initial commitment to the West Coast Conference. This transition will see GCU competing in 17 sports, excluding football, in a conference that includes Air Force, New Mexico, Nevada, San Jose State, UNLV, Wyoming, UTEP, and Hawaii. GCU's move follows the departure of Gonzaga to the Pac-12, a significant factor in its decision to leave the WCC. The university has seen significant success in men's basketball, highlighting its NCAA Tournament appearances in three of the past four years. The Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of GCU, citing its upward trajectory both academically and athletically. The West Coast Conference expressed disappointment over GCU's decision to leave, viewing it as a missed opportunity to enhance its national profile.