Grand Canyon University (GCU) will be joining the Mountain West Conference (MW) by 2026 at the latest, as announced by the school and conference on Friday. This decision follows GCU’s previous announcement six months ago that it would be joining the West Coast Conference (WCC) in 2025.
Grand Canyon will participate in 17 conference-sponsored sports within the Mountain West Conference
“We want to position ourselves for national competitiveness, and we are thrilled about the future and vision of the Mountain West,” stated GCU athletic director Jamie Boggs.
“Joining a conference that has a history of national success and a tradition of 26 years will provide us with the financial stability to succeed in the evolving collegiate landscape. We are eager to compete for championships alongside our future peers in the Mountain West.”
GCU will compete in 17 conference-sponsored sports, with men’s basketball being the most prominent. The Antelopes have participated in the past three NCAA men’s basketball tournaments.
Let’s give Grand Canyon a warm welcome to the West #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/v4J2bwJOK4
— Barstool Mountain West (@MWCBarstool) November 1, 2024
During the previous season, the Antelopes caused an upset by defeating a fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s team in the first round.
“The addition of Grand Canyon to the Mountain West is fantastic. We look forward to expanding our reach to Phoenix and the state of Arizona,” remarked MW commissioner Gloria Nevarez.
“Grand Canyon’s continued academic and athletic growth over the past decade will enhance the competition within the Mountain West as we strive for NCAA postseason bids and national championships.”
Mountain West targeted GCU for expansion following the departure of five members to the Pac-12
ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura reported that the MW began pursuing GCU for expansion after five of its members—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—decided to join the Pac-12 earlier in the year.
In response, the WCC expressed disappointment regarding GCU’s decision, referring to it as a “missed opportunity” for men’s basketball. The WCC had previously announced that both GCU and Seattle would be joining the conference in July 2025.
“We are disappointed that GCU has chosen to seek membership elsewhere after committing to the WCC, which would have boosted its national profile,” stated WCC commissioner Stu Jackson.
“The WCC sees GCU’s decision as a missed chance to be part of a top-tier conference for men’s basketball, known for multiple national champions, Final Four appearances, and strong performances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.”
As part of the announcement, GCU mentioned the possibility of joining the MW as early as the second quarter of 2025, subject to the conference’s bylaws. However, an official date has not been confirmed yet.
