The Grand Canyon Antelopes are relatively new to the game in Division I. But on Friday, Grand Canyon announced significant news: They intend to join the Mountain West Conference.
The Mountain West will welcome Grand Canyon in 2026 as part of a new conference realignment move. GCU has impacted the basketball world since they arrived in DI in 2013. So, eleven years after that arrival, they’ve maneuvered their way into a bigger conference.
“Grand Canyon, a Phoenix-based university without football, is joining the Mountain West in 2026, league announces,” Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports wrote on X.
Grand Canyon, a Phoenix-based university without football, is joining the Mountain West in 2026, league announces. GCU gives MWC nine members in their rebuilding effort.
Antelopes menβs basketball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 3 of 4 years. pic.twitter.com/LZbl22hTiz
β Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 1, 2024
Later, the Mountain West officially announced Grand Canyon’s arrival to the conference.
πππ₯ππ¨π¦π ππ¨ ππ‘π πππ¦, ππ«ππ§π πππ§π²π¨π§ ππ§π’π―ππ«π¬π’ππ²! π€ pic.twitter.com/yizIooGOaF
β Mountain West (@MountainWest) November 1, 2024
This is another big move in the constantly-shifting world of college sports. Grand Canyon doesn’t have football, but the move still increases their membership and validates the Mountain West’s status more. Mountain West basketball has been a pretty solid league over the last 15 years or so. Grand Canyon’s profile certainly helps to amplify it.
We’ll see what’s next in the world of college sports.
