In a significant shift within college sports, Gonzaga University has formally announced its decision to leave the West Coast Conference and join the Pac-12, becoming the eighth member of the revamped conference starting in 2026. This move marks a major milestone in the ongoing realignment of college basketball programs and is seen as the Pac-12 securing a key asset in Gonzaga, known as a hoops powerhouse. Concurrently, UTEP will transition to the Mountain West Conference, further reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics. The addition of Gonzaga is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the competitive stature of the Pac-12 as it navigates through this transformative period.