Gonzaga to join Pac-12

[HooperScooper]

Gonzaga announced Tuesday it is leaving the WCC and will become a member of the new-look Pac-12 starting in 2026. The Zags, who have been one of the most successful men's basketball programs in recent years, do not have a football program, but will give the Pac-12 eight members in basketball.

Gonzaga to join Pac-12: Conference still needs one more football-playing member with Zags leaving WCC

The Zags will bring a rich tradition in basketball to the new-look Pac-12

www.cbssports.com

 

[Brochacho]

If only there was an independent football program that could be the 8th member.

 

[gsmooth]

If only there was an independent football program that could be the 8th member.

I am wondering who that would be (looking up at the ceiling thinking). Just cannot come up with an answer.

 

[RuffRuff]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

 

[gsmooth]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

Maybe 2 home-and-homes with Gonzaga and San Diego St. might do it. And those won't be losses that would damage UConn in the metrics all that much, either.

But AD Benedict's job is to crunch the numbers and do the calculations just like the Memphis AD did when he turned down the Pac (whatever number). This has to work for UConn.

 

[Tyler2Rings]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

Everyone else either brings very little or nothing to the table, or has to pay millions in conference exit fees

 

[aceboon]

When we get the conference realignment sports documentary in 20 years the Pac-XX will need at least a few hours

 

[REB1094]

Sounds like the PAC-12 got a really strong basketball power to anchor their conference’s basketball

So now I guess they need 1 more team to fill out their football schedule

Hmmmmm

 

[superjohn]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

I can think of a lot of reasons they would consider UConn joining for football only.

 

[ucp990411]

Maybe 2 home-and-homes with Gonzaga and San Diego St. might do it. And those won't be losses that would damage UConn in the metrics all that much, either.

But AD Benedict's job is to crunch the numbers and do the calculations just like the Memphis AD did when he turned down the Pac (whatever number). This has to work for UConn.

What losses?

 

[Waquoit]

Again?

 

[FearThePups]

Sounds like the PAC-12 got a really strong basketball power to anchor their conference’s basketball

So now I guess they need 1 more team to fill out their football schedule

Hmmmmm

Not us, please God.

 

[kobe]

remember when people thought they wanted to join the big east? lmao. peak church league delusion.

 

[Vuce]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

They would do it because they know it's short term until the ACC blows up in a few years - some of those schools will end up in the Big Ten (UNC for one) and other will go to the Big 12 while the remaining ones (think Wake Forest for example) will be looking for a league and it could be the PAC 12.

 

[FearThePups]

If only there was an independent football program that could be the 8th member.

Guys, let’s not get over our skis here. With the sudden steroid booster shot our football team has had these past two weeks, let’s see where this season ends up. ESPN just predicted we don’t lose another game this year. Methinks the Maryland humiliation was the final wake-up call.

 

[Austin316]

remember when people thought they wanted to join the big east? lmao. peak church league delusion.

Peak church league delusion? You guys peaked in 1960s.

 

[gsmooth]

What losses?

UConn probably wins, but my point was if they lose it does not hurt the metrics too much. Most people here on another Pac 12 thread said UConn playing Mountain West teams was beneath UConn and if they lost to them it would hurt the metrics. That's why I mentioned a home-and-home against Gonzaga and San Diego St. in basketball for a UConn football only membership.

 

[gsmooth]

They would do it because they know it's short term until the ACC blows up in a few years - some of those schools will end up in the Big Ten (UNC for one) and other will go to the Big 12 while the remaining ones (think Wake Forest for example) will be looking for a league and it could be the PAC 12.

If some of the ACC schools, like 4-5 go to the Pac (whatever number), rebranding might be in order including a new conference name. Just spitballing.

 

[businesslawyer]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

Because it's a bigger brand name that can conceivably bring some eyes in a different market even as a football only.

 

[Scottzer]

If some of the ACC schools, like 4-5 go to the Pac (whatever number), rebranding might be in order including a new conference name. Just spitballing.

Manifest Destiny Conference? Or steal a big 12 team and make it the Oregon Trail?

 

[HooperScooper]

Peak church league delusion? You guys peaked in 1960s.

And unfortunately Oscar Robertson isn't walking through that door. And if he is he's going to be really old and grey.

 

[dannyHAM]

If only there was an independent football program that could be the 8th member.

From what I understand they need a FULL member for the 8th spot. Hawaii is football only and gonzaga is non-football (so they don't count). In other words, UConn as a FOOTBALL only wouldn't help them with their need of 8 FULL time members.

 

[UConn Dan]

From what I understand they need a FULL member for the 8th spot. Hawaii is football only and gonzaga is non-football (so they don't count). In other words, UConn as a FOOTBALL only wouldn't help them with their need of 8 FULL time members.

Once PAC gets full member # 8, UConn Football-only helps them get 8 conference football games which is ideal. But, I don't think that's happening. (Note, Hawaii is football-only member of MW, not PAC 12).

 

[Travelman6]

If they are hesitant to add UConn fball only promise them 2 games a year for bball. 1 away, 1 home. Hell, promise 3 if it's h-a-msg...I'd even go as far as saying two away if it gets uconn fball into a conference with solid teams.

 

[Khal Drogo]

Have very little idea why they’d consider UConn given only FB, and so far out of footprint. Only reason I can think of is some promise that if we do not land in a P4 by x date, we join across sports. And no way we want to do that with this conference.

No exit fee to deal with. No litigation. Easy add on. Promise to add 2-3 pac 12 games to the basketball schedule an an incentive.