It’s been over a year since news broke that leaders from the Big 12 and Gonzaga met in person to discuss the potential of the Bulldogs joining the conference.
Rumors have persisted during the ensuing months without confirmation either way — but now there could finally be some movement.
The Houston Chronicle reported that Big 12 school presidents are expected to meet this week to discuss expansion, and could even vote on adding Gonzaga. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to Front Office Sports that there has been some positive momentum around Gonzaga’s potential move to the Big 12, but noted it isn’t a slam dunk.
Previously, FOS reported that Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark had “overwhelming support” from conference presidents in his quest to add Gonzaga and was tasked with exploring it further.
Adding Gonzaga would need 75% approval from conference members. Right now, that means nine out of the 12 schools — aside from Texas and Oklahoma, which are leaving to join the SEC next year. Once the conference expands to 16 teams next summer, a vote would require 12 schools to sign off.
If Gonzaga joins and becomes the 17th member, speculation could ramp up around UConn or another basketball powerhouse as candidates to take the conference to 18 teams.
