In a shocking turn of events, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has officially announced its decision to join the Mountain West Conference, mere months after committing to the West Coast Conference (WCC). The unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the collegiate sports world, leaving many wondering about the future of both conferences and the landscape of NCAA Division I athletics.
A Surprising Shift
The announcement came on Friday, with GCU Athletic Director Jamie Boggs expressing excitement about the university’s future in the Mountain West. “We want to best position ourselves to be nationally competitive, and we are excited about the vision and future of the Mountain West,” Boggs stated. “We are joining a conference that has enjoyed national success, has developed a rich tradition in its 26 years, and has financially positioned us for competitive success in this changing collegiate landscape.”
The decision is particularly surprising given that GCU had only recently agreed to join the WCC in 2025. The university’s abrupt change of heart has left the WCC reeling, with Commissioner Stu Jackson expressing disappointment and characterizing the move as a “missed opportunity.”
We are disappointed with its decision to seek conference membership elsewhere just months after completing its membership agreement with the WCC that would have enhanced its national profile.
WCC Commissioner Stu Jackson
Mountain West’s Expansion Strategy
The Mountain West’s pursuit of GCU comes in the wake of the conference losing five member institutions to the Pac-12 earlier this year. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State all announced their intention to depart for the Pac-12, leaving the Mountain West in need of new members to maintain its competitive edge.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez expressed enthusiasm about GCU’s addition to the conference, stating, “Grand Canyon is a tremendous addition to the Mountain West. We are excited to expand our footprint into the City of Phoenix and the State of Arizona. Grand Canyon has been on an upward trajectory both academically and athletically for the past decade, and its addition to the league will enhance the competition across the Mountain West as we strive to earn NCAA postseason bids and compete for national championships.”
Implications for the WCC
The WCC, meanwhile, finds itself in a precarious position. Not only has the conference lost GCU before it even officially joined, but it is also grappling with the impending departure of perennial powerhouse Gonzaga, which announced last month that it would be joining the Pac-12 in 2026.
Commissioner Jackson emphasized that the WCC will “continue to evaluate the current landscape of Division I athletics, move forward ambitiously in examining expansion and alliance opportunities that position the WCC for NCAA success; pursue meaningful scheduling opportunities for all members; and generate national exposure for the Conference through expansive broadcast visibility to which it has become accustomed.”
A New Era for GCU Athletics
For GCU, the move to the Mountain West represents an opportunity to compete at the highest level in NCAA Division I athletics. The university has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, with its men’s basketball team qualifying for the past three NCAA tournaments, including a first-round upset of fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s in the most recent tournament.
As part of the announcement, GCU indicated that it could join the Mountain West as early as “the second quarter of 2025 if permitted under the conference’s bylaws.” This accelerated timeline suggests that both the university and the conference are eager to begin this new chapter as soon as possible.
The Future of College Sports
GCU’s move to the Mountain West is just the latest in a series of seismic shifts in the world of college sports. As conferences continue to realign and universities seek to position themselves for long-term success, it is clear that the landscape of NCAA Division I athletics is undergoing a profound transformation.
For fans, students, and alumni of GCU, the university’s decision to join the Mountain West is sure to be met with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. While the move undoubtedly presents new opportunities for the university’s athletic programs, it also raises questions about the long-term stability of college sports and the role that individual institutions play in shaping the future of the industry.
As the dust settles on this latest development, one thing is clear: the world of college sports is in a state of flux, and the coming years are likely to bring even more surprises and challenges for universities, conferences, and fans alike. In the meantime, GCU and the Mountain West will look to capitalize on their new partnership and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing landscape of NCAA Division I athletics.
