GCU to Join Mountain West in 2025 Amid Changes

Grand Canyon University (GCU) will join the Mountain West Conference in the 2025-26 academic year, having accelerated its move after previously considering the Western Athletic Conference. GCU's transition allows immediate competition in regular-season and conference championships across 17 sports, though the university does not sponsor a football team. The Mountain West will have 12 members in most sports for 2025-26, but this will change in 2026 with Hawaii, UC Davis, UTEP, and Northern Illinois joining in various roles. Additionally, five Mountain West schools are set to leave for the Pac-12 after the 2025-26 season. GCU will retain affiliate conference status for specific sports such as men’s soccer and swimming. The move, accompanied by a legal dispute with the West Coast Conference over exit fees, is seen as enhancing the Mountain West's competitiveness and national profile.