Gonzaga University has been a powerhouse in college basketball, consistently performing well in the NCAA tournament. Despite their success, recent developments suggest Gonzaga is not actively being considered as a candidate to join either the Big East or Big 12 conferences. Both conferences have been expanding and strengthening their basketball programs in recent years, leading to speculation about Gonzaga’s possible inclusion.
However, there are key factors that contribute to why Gonzaga isn’t a prime candidate. First, Gonzaga is geographically isolated from the majority of schools in both conferences. Located in Spokane, Washington, the school is far from the heart of the Big East, which is composed mostly of schools on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The travel logistics and costs of regularly flying across the country could be a significant deterrent for both Gonzaga and these conferences.
Additionally, the Big 12, though located closer than the Big East, still presents a similar travel problem. The Big 12 has also been more focused on football as a driving force in conference realignment, and Gonzaga does not have a football program. This would make them an odd fit for a conference that values football revenue and competition alongside basketball.
Lastly, the West Coast Conference (WCC) has been a comfortable home for Gonzaga for decades, allowing them to dominate the competition and secure regular NCAA tournament berths. While there is constant speculation about conference realignment, Gonzaga’s leadership seems content with their current position, prioritizing basketball success over conference affiliation.
In summary, while Gonzaga’s basketball success would add value to either the Big East or Big 12, logistical, financial, and structural hurdles make it unlikely they will join either conference soon.
