Gonzaga Officially Enters the Pac-12 Era

Today marks a historic milestone in Gonzaga University's story as the University officially becomes a member of the Pac-12 Conference, ushering in a new era of opportunity in the “Conference of Champions” that extends far beyond athletics.

While Gonzaga's nationally recognized athletic programs helped open the door to conference membership, University leaders view this moment as something much larger: a transformational opportunity to expand Gonzaga's impact, strengthen academic partnerships, elevate research collaboration, and introduce the University's distinctive educational Jesuit mission to new audiences.

Gonzaga President Katia Passerini emphasized that the significance of the move reaches well beyond competition. 

"At Gonzaga, we believe our greatest strength comes from the communities we build. Joining the Pac-12 broadens that community, creating new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Spokane region," Passerini said, marking the University's first official day in the conference.  

“Together with our new conference partners, we will pursue excellence in the classroom, in competition, in research and discovery, and in our shared commitment to forming leaders for and with others. We look forward to new partnerships and new connections with a network of universities across the West and Southwest."

As a member of the reimagined Pac-12, Gonzaga joins several leading public universities, including multiple R1 research institutions, opening new pathways for joint research, faculty partnerships, grant opportunities and student experiences. Gonzaga's fellow Pac-12 members are Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State.

The conference expands Gonzaga's visibility in key markets throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Texas, helping the University connect with prospective students and families who may be discovering Gonzaga for the first time.

The transition also creates new opportunities to engage Gonzaga's growing alumni network. With active alumni chapters in the Pacific Northwest, California, Texas and Colorado as well as across the country, the profile of the Pac-12 nationally will boost Zag Nation from coast to coast with expanded chances to gather, celebrate and strengthen connections to their alma mater.