The West Coast Conference approved the addition of both Grand Canyon University and Seattle University as members, with both schools accepting the invitation on Friday.
The two programs will become the 10th and 11th full-time members of the conference starting on July 1, 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome two institutions of higher education that each will make significant contributions to the future of the West Coast Conference,” Gonzaga University President and Chair of the WCC Presidents’ Council Dr. Thayne McCulloh said. “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.”
The WCC previously added Oregon State and Washington State as partial members on a temporary basis while the two programs search for a new home following the dismantling of the Pac-12.
Now the conference strikes again, adding a Grand Canyon program coached by Bryce Drew who has made the NCAA Tournament in three of the past four years, advancing for the first time last year after beating new conference opponent Saint Mary’s.
SeattleU has won 20 or more games in three straight seasons as well, and with new facilities and a promising young coach in Chris Victor it was time for the WCC to cash in and improve the conference’s long term stability in case Gonzaga’s pursuit of a power conference comes to fruition.