The Pac‑12 basketball tournament is making its long‑awaited return to Las Vegas, setting the stage for what officials are calling a fresh chapter for the conference. This year’s event will be staged at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a venue that has previously hosted the competition and now serves as the backdrop for the league’s re‑imagined showcase.
Joining the traditional powerhouses are seven new institutions — Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State — expanding the league’s footprint and signaling a bold new direction. Alongside them, Oregon State and Washington State remain the only holdovers from the previous incarnation, while a dozen affiliate members also participate in the broader conference structure.
Commissioner Teresa Gould emphasized the strength of the incoming class, noting that the blend of established programs and emerging contenders creates a competitive environment for both the men’s and women’s brackets. “We have a vibrant mix of talent, and the new formats will highlight that depth,” she said in announcing the relaunch.
The tournament’s schedule reflects a revamped format, with both the men’s and women’s competitions featuring adjusted brackets and additional showcase games designed to increase exposure and fan engagement. This restructuring aims to capitalize on the momentum built during the conference’s recent expansion.
A New Format for a New Era
Under the revised structure, teams will navigate a series of single‑elimination rounds followed by consolation brackets, ensuring that every program receives multiple opportunities to compete. The updated schedule also incorporates prime‑time slots, allowing broader audiences to tune in and experience the action live.
Fans can look forward to a weekend of high‑stakes matchups, surprise upsets and celebratory moments as the conference celebrates its renewed identity. The return to Las Vegas not only marks a logistical homecoming but also symbolizes a cultural resurgence for the league.
The event promises to draw significant attention from media, sponsors and college basketball enthusiasts across the country, reinforcing the Pac‑12’s ambition to solidify its presence on the national stage.