After it looked like a move might happen, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have ultimately said no to the Mountain West Conference.
Gonzaga athletic director Mike Roth confirmed Monday that, despite interest and a lot of talk, the Bulldogs would remain a member of the West Coast Conference.
“Our decision is to remain in the WCC, where we’ve had a great relationship for 39 years going on 40,” Roth said, via Jim Meehan of the Spokesman-Review. “We appreciate the Mountain West pursuing us. However, for a number of reasons, maintaining our status in the WCC is the right thing for Gonzaga University.”
Roth did not rule out eventually reconsidering.
“We’ve completed all the discussions with the Mountain West at this point and time,” Roth said. “Could it resurface as part of the evaluation of the future? That’s a crystal ball I can’t look into.”
Ultimately, the WCC worked to pass some reforms that would placate Gonzaga, which long ago outgrew the conference. They may yet move eventually, but it won’t be now.
