Pac-12 Considers Moving Basketball Tournament to Las Vegas

Gonzaga Bulldogs could benefit from familiar venue as they join new conference.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Pac-12 Conference is in negotiations to host its men's and women's basketball tournaments in Las Vegas starting in 2027, according to reports. This move could be advantageous for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who have played numerous games in Las Vegas over the years as part of the West Coast Conference tournament and other neutral-site events. The specific venue in Vegas is still to be determined, but the increased capacity and profile of the Pac-12 tournament could create an exciting atmosphere for the Zags as they transition to their new conference.

Why it matters

Gonzaga has dominated the WCC tournament in Las Vegas, winning 13 of the last 17 championships. The Bulldogs' familiarity and success in the city could give them a home-court advantage of sorts as they join the Pac-12 and compete in the conference tournament there. This move also raises the profile of the Pac-12 tournament and could attract more fans and media attention.

The details

The Pac-12 men's tournament has been held in Las Vegas every year since 2013, while the women's event moved there in 2019. The conference is now negotiating with MGM Resorts to host the tournaments at either the MGM Garden Grand Arena (16,800 capacity) or the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay (12,000 capacity). This would be an upgrade from the Orleans Arena (9,500), where the West Coast Conference tournament is currently held.

  • The Pac-12 tournaments are expected to move to Las Vegas starting in 2027.
  • Gonzaga has played in the WCC tournament in Las Vegas for the past 17 seasons.

The players

Gonzaga Bulldogs

A men's basketball team that has dominated the West Coast Conference tournament in Las Vegas, winning 13 of the last 17 championships.

Pac-12 Conference

A NCAA Division I athletic conference that is in negotiations to host its men's and women's basketball tournaments in Las Vegas starting in 2027.

MGM Resorts

The hospitality company that is in talks with the Pac-12 to host the conference's basketball tournaments at its venues in Las Vegas.

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What’s next

The Pac-12 and MGM Resorts are expected to finalize the details of the basketball tournament move to Las Vegas in the coming months.

The takeaway

Gonzaga's long history of success in Las Vegas could give them a significant advantage as they transition to the Pac-12 Conference, whose basketball tournament will likely be held in the city starting in 2027. This move also raises the profile of the Pac-12 tournament and could attract more fans and media attention to the event.