GCU to begin play in Mountain West Conference immediately
The conference's board of directors approved GCU's entry, jump-starting the Lopes' move to the conference.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - Grand Canyon University is officially headed to the Mountain West Conference. The conference's board of directors has approved GCU’s entry, with the university set to begin full competition in all conference sports starting July 8, 2025.
The move positions the Lopes alongside some of the nation’s most recognized athletic programs and marks a major step forward for the university’s rapidly growing Division I presence.
""Grand Canyon brings elite recruiting, a passionate fan base, and state-of-the-art facilities," Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said. GCU is a great addition to the Mountain West and positively raises the competition level in the league."
GCU becomes the 12th full member of the Mountain West. Since moving to Division I in 2017, GCU has experienced immense growth. In 2024–25, the Lopes enjoyed one of their most successful athletic years yet. The men’s and women’s basketball teams combined for a 58–11 record and both reached the NCAA Tournament.
"I think, holistically, what has transpired at GCU over the last 15-16 years has been one of the most remarkable transformations I have ever seen," said Jerry Colangelo, GCU Board of Trustees member, former owner of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks and former chairman of USA Basketball. "GCU is doing it the right way on every level – in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field."
GCU teams will begin competing for Mountain West championships this fall in 17 sports, with women’s volleyball, women’s soccer, and cross country kicking off the action. Existing conference schedules will be updated to include GCU.
