Long Beach State Athletics!: Big 12

There's been a lot of smoke about Gonzaga joining the Big 12 as a non-football playing member which means it'll happen sooner or later. I think this expansion is a sign that the WCC is resigned to that fact. Once Gonzaga leaves, they may quickly add Cal Baptist, which has more of a WCC profile then GCU. I doubt St. Mary's is getting such an invite mainly because they play in a 3,500 seat capacity gym. Now, if they built an on-campus 6,000 seat "arena" like Gonzaga's, that's a different story.

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Gonzaga finally relented to allow Seattle,

probably as much about Seattle metro calculated decision

Grand Canyon viewed as potential flag bearer. Got to believe MVB goes some way in recognition in addition to the NCAAs in MBB

I just don't see where Gonzaga can go, unless as associate to Mountain West.

all private, so no way for the Big West

maybe WCC goes for Denver in future as well, who knows.

I can't see anyone wanting St Mary's - although they would be good for the Big West, but would likely chase Sac St remains probably the next viable member, if Sac St could do football only in the Big Sky like POly/Davis

got to believe Cal Baptist also wants the WCC, and notable they did not get an invite

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Effective July 1, 2025, Grand Canyon and Seattle are moving from the WAC to the WCC. This is probably insurance should Gonzaga and possibly St. Mary's move to a P5/P6 conference as basketball only members.