Grand Canyon joining Mountain West Conference
Grand Canyon University officially agreed to join the Mountain West Conference on Friday.
The Antelopes, based in Phoenix, will become members by July 1, 2026, according to the school.
\"We aim to position ourselves for national competitiveness, and we are thrilled about the future and vision of the Mountain West,\" stated athletic director Jamie Boggs. \"We are becoming part of a conference that has achieved national success, has established a strong tradition in its 26 years, and has financially prepared us for competitive success in the ever-changing college landscape. We are eager to contend for titles with our future colleagues in the Mountain West.\"
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Grand Canyon will participate in 17 sports in the Mountain West, including men's basketball. However, the school does not have a football program.
Under head coach Bryce Drew, the Antelopes have made three appearances in the men's NCAA Tournament in the last four seasons. In 2023-24, they finished with a record of 30-5 and secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory against Saint Mary's.
\"Grand Canyon is an excellent addition to the Mountain West. We are delighted to expand our reach into Phoenix and the state of Arizona,\" said Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez. \"Over the past decade, Grand Canyon has been on an upward trajectory both academically and athletically, and its inclusion in the conference will elevate the level of competition across the Mountain West as we strive for NCAA postseason bids and national championships.\"
Since 2013, Grand Canyon has been a member of the Western Athletic Conference. In May, the school announced its plans to join the West Coast Conference in 2025.
However, WCC commissioner Stu Jackson did not react positively to Friday's news.
\"We are disappointed by their decision to seek membership in another conference just months after finalizing their agreement with the WCC, which would have enhanced their national profile,\" Jackson stated, as reported by ESPN. \"The WCC sees this as a missed opportunity to be a part of one of the top conferences in men's basketball. The WCC is a perennial multi-bid league with a rich history that includes multiple national champions, six Final Four appearances, and numerous deep runs in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.\"
