Gonzaga University is in early discussions to move from the West Coast Conference to the Big 12, an industry source confirmed to The Athletic on Wednesday. ESPN first reported the talks.
- The source stressed there is no immediate timeline and that the Big 12 is not the only league that has reached out to Gonzaga. The Pac-12 and Big East have also spoken with Gonzaga.
- The source termed the talks “Real but early,” adding, “It’s all exploratory right now.”
- Indications are that Gonzaga would want any move to be an all-sports deal, not just for basketball.
Backstory
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark declared in July the conference was “open for business” within weeks of his hiring. He is focused on growing its brand nationally, though he has stressed any expansion the conference pursues needs to be financially additive and not dilutive. An interest in expanding the Big 12’s reach into all four time zones has factored into its talks with Pac-12 members.
“On the men’s side, we’re arguably the No. 1 conference in America,” Yormark said last month at Big 12 basketball media day, a claim that will be strengthened by the addition of incoming members Cincinnati, BYU, Houston and UCF in 2023-34. Yormark brings more experience in basketball than football to his role…
