The West Coast Conference is expanding with the additions of Grand Canyon University and Seattle University, effective July 1, 2025, the conference announced Friday.

“We are thrilled to welcome two institutions of higher education that each will make significant contributions to the future of the West Coast Conference,” said Dr. Thayne McCulloh, the chair of the WCC presidents’ council, in a statement. “While each university has a unique and distinctive character, both are deeply invested in the welfare of their students and surrounding communities, are making significant investments in their athletics programs and facilities, and will enhance the competitive profile of the West Coast Conference.”

GCU and Seattle will both compete in 14 of the WCC’s sponsored sports. WCC commissioner Stu Jackson said that the additions will help the conference get into two major cities in the western part of the United States, as the WCC aims to be nationally relevant and nationally visible.

Required reading

(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

Over the last month, The Athletic has spoken with more than 30 women’s college basketball coaches about an array of topics from name, image and likeness to athletic directors to sleeping giants in the sport. These coaches, who hail from power conferences and high mid-majors, were granted anonymity to allow them to speak openly without fear of retribution from their own programs or the NCAA. Throughout the week, we’re sharing coaches’ thoughts on the most pressing issues in their sport. Though not every response to each question is included, answers represent all opinions expressed.

Coaches always have an eye on their peers. There’s a bond among individuals in this line of work, and it helps to have camaraderie among people who have chosen a similar path. But oftentimes, coaches are scouting for best practices; they’re looking to lift plays and sets from other teams that might work for their own. In the Big Ten regular-season finale, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder noted to reporters she took a play out of Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon’s book to run on the Hawkeyes’ last possession, which ended in a Caitlin Clark game winner. The best coaches openly acknowledge they’re thieves of whatever works best on the court, whether that comes from high school, college or…