News

Gonzaga decides to stay in WCC after being courted by MW

Gonzaga coach Mark Few watches during the first half of the team's NCAA men's college basketball tournament regional semifinal against Florida State on Thursday, March 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. Photo: Associated Press/Jae Hong


SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Gonzaga is staying in the West Coast Conference after being courted by the Mountain West.

Gonzaga athletic director Mike Roth told The Spokesman-Review that he and university president Thayne McCulloh met Monday to make the final decision on conference affiliation.

Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson in February acknowledged interest in adding Gonzaga, which does not play football but has one of the nation’s best basketball programs. Gonzaga has dominated the West Coast Conference in basketball for years and has regularly made the NCAA Tournament, playing in the final of the tournament in 2017.

The Mountain West could have offered better competition and possibly greater revenue. The WCC recently announced changes to its scheduling and revenue distribution models that Gonzaga officials have long desired.

Thompson, who recently was quoted as saying he did not expect Gonzaga to join, did not immediately request for comment from AP.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Sports

Fernando Mendoza throws a pick-6, struggles in 1st half of Raiders’ 22-20 preseason win over Texans

Top pick Fernando Mendoza is finding out quickly that he has a lot of work to do as he begins his NFL career. Mendoza struggled in his second preseason game, throwing an interception that Houston returned for a touchdown before the Las Vegas Raiders rallied late for a 22-20 victory over the Texans on Thursday night.

3 days ago in Sports

No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings is set for season-ending surgery on sore knee

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is set for season-ending surgery on a sore knee that has sidelined this year's No. 1 overall pick for the past five games.

3 days ago in Sports

Max Verstappen extends contract with Red Bull to 2030 after he weighed up leaving F1

Max Verstappen says he seriously considered leaving Formula 1 before the four-time champion instead committed to four more years with Red Bull on Thursday.

3 days ago in Sports

Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers to play NHL games in Germany in 2027

The Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will each play two regular-season games in Germany next year as part of the NHL and NHLPA's efforts to grow hockey in the country, the league announced Thursday.

5 days ago in Sports

LIV Golf to end season early and cancel the Michigan team event

LIV Golf is ending its season one week earlier than planned, announcing Monday it will not hold the team championship in Michigan next week and instead crown the team champion this week 20 miles north of Indianapolis.