Grand Canyon and Seattle University to Join West Coast Conference in 2025 Realignment

Amid the ever-changing landscape of college sports, a significant conference realignment has been announced, as Grand Canyon and Seattle University are set to depart from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to join the West Coast Conference (WCC) on July 1, 2025. This move marks the latest development in a series of shifts within collegiate athletic conferences.

Expansion of the West Coast Conference

The addition of Grand Canyon and Seattle University follows a previous move by the WCC to bring in Oregon State and Washington State for most sports, not including football, for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. With these changes, the WCC is positioned to become an 11-school league for the upcoming season and is expected to expand to 13 schools for the 2025-26 season, pending further developments.

Implications for Oregon State and Washington State

While Oregon State and Washington State are currently affiliate members of the WCC, their continued affiliation beyond 2026 is deemed highly unlikely. Sources indicate that both schools are anticipated to explore opportunities with the Mountain West Conference or potentially form a new league under Pac-12 branding, attributed to financial gains amid the Pac-12's restructuring.

Considerations and Contingencies

The addition of Grand Canyon and Seattle University to the WCC reflects careful considerations, especially regarding GCU's for-profit model, which prompted extensive deliberation among WCC leaders. The decision to include GCU was driven by the perceived potential of its basketball program and is further supported by the inclusion of Seattle U, forming a strategic package deal.

Impact on College Basketball

Grand Canyon's basketball program, under the leadership of Bryce Drew, has emerged as a significant force in men's college basketball, with notable appearances in the NCAA Tournaments. This addition is expected to enhance the competitive landscape within the WCC, particularly with GCU's demonstrated success in recent seasons.

Speculation Surrounding Gonzaga

Amidst ongoing speculation about conference realignment, Gonzaga's potential departure from the WCC to join a larger conference, such as the Big 12, has garnered attention. However, current indications suggest that there is no immediate momentum for Gonzaga's transition to the Big 12, primarily due to factors such as the absence of football and the need for a settling period within the newly expanded Big 12.

Implications for the WAC

With the impending departures of GCU and Seattle U, the WAC faces a challenging period following recent losses. The league, which experienced a notable period of growth, is now set to diminish from 13 teams to eight programs, signifying a significant shift within the WAC and raising questions about its future direction.