So, you're looking for the Bulldogs. Whether you call them the Zags, the Bulldogs, or just "that team that never misses the tournament," keeping track of their schedule in the thick of West Coast Conference (WCC) play is a full-time job.
Right now, the men's team is on a tear. Honestly, Mark Few has this squad clicking at the perfect time. They just came off a solid 71-50 win against Seattle University at Climate Pledge Arena on January 17, and if you're wondering when do the zags play next, you don't have to wait long.
The Zags are heading back to the Kennel.
The Next Big Matchups: Mark Your Calendars
The short answer is Wednesday. Specifically, Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Gonzaga returns home to the McCarthey Athletic Center to take on the Pepperdine Waves.
If you've been following the season, you know the atmosphere in Spokane is basically unmatched for these mid-week conference games. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM PST. You can catch that one on ESPN+ if you aren't lucky enough to have tickets.
But that’s just the start of a pretty busy stretch. Here is the immediate outlook for the men's team:
✨ Don't miss: Mike Bibby Sacramento Kings Jersey: Why This Purple Mesh Still Rules the Streets
- Jan 24 (Saturday): vs. San Francisco at 5:00 PM PST. This one is huge for the WCC standings.
- Jan 31 (Saturday): vs. Saint Mary's at 7:30 PM PST. This is the rivalry everyone circles in red ink. It's usually the loudest night of the year in Spokane.
What About the Women's Team?
We can't talk about Gonzaga hoops without Lisa Fortier's squad. They’ve been just as dominant, and their schedule is arguably even more grueling this month with some tough travel.
If you are following the women's schedule, they play next on Thursday, January 22, 2026. They'll be on the road against Oregon State in Corvallis. That game tips off at 6:00 PM PST.
Following that, they stay on the road:
- Jan 29 (Thursday): at San Francisco (6:00 PM PST).
- Jan 31 (Saturday): at Washington State (7:00 PM PST).
When do the zags play next: Why the January Stretch Matters
January is where the "pretenders" get separated from the "contenders" in the WCC. It's easy to get hyped for those big November matchups against Kentucky or UCLA, but the grind of conference play is what builds the muscle memory needed for a deep March run.
Currently, the men's team is sitting at 18-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in the conference. That lone loss to Michigan back in November feels like a lifetime ago. Since then, Graham Ike and Nolan Hickman have been playing like they're on a mission.
The big story lately has been the emergence of the bench depth. Braden Huff and the younger rotation players are giving Mark Few minutes that weren't necessarily guaranteed early in the season.
Scouting the Pepperdine Matchup
Look, Pepperdine is struggling a bit this year. They’re sitting near the bottom of the conference with a 1-6 WCC record. On paper, it looks like a blowout.
However, "trap games" are real. If the Zags look past the Waves toward that January 31 showdown with Saint Mary’s, things could get messy. Expect the Bulldogs to lean heavily on their interior game early on Wednesday to put this one to bed by halftime.
Watching the Game: TV and Streaming
If you're trying to figure out how to watch, it depends on the night. For the Pepperdine game, it's an ESPN+ broadcast. The Saturday game against San Francisco jumps over to CBS Sports Network, while the Saint Mary's game is almost always on the main ESPN or ESPN2 channels because of the national interest.
For radio listeners in the Inland Northwest, you've got the Gonzaga Learfield Network. Hearing Tom Hudson call a game is basically the soundtrack of winter in Spokane.
👉 See also: NFL Draft 2nd Round 2025: Why It Actually Mattered More Than Day 1
Beyond the Court: What to Watch For
One thing people often miss when asking when do the zags play next is the injury report. Keeping an eye on the health of the backcourt is vital. Hickman has been playing high minutes, and while he’s a machine, the Zags need him fresh for the tournament.
Also, keep an eye on the WCC standings. Saint Mary's is currently keeping pace at 6-0 in the conference. The January 31 game isn't just a rivalry; it's likely a battle for the number one seed in the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas.
Actionable Steps for Zags Fans
If you’re planning on following the team through this home stretch, here is what you should do:
- Sync your calendar: The jump between ESPN+, KHQ/SWX, and national networks is confusing. Double-check the broadcast for each specific game 24 hours in advance.
- Check the Women's Schedule: Since they are on the road for the next three games, their start times vary. The Oregon State game on the 22nd is a late one if you're on the East Coast.
- Ticket Markets: If you're looking for seats for the Saint Mary's game, start looking now. Resale prices for the Kennel usually spike 72 hours before tip-off.
The Zags are in the "business" phase of the season. The non-conference drama is over, the rankings are stabilized, and now it's just about winning the games you're supposed to win. Wednesday is the first step in that three-game home stand that could define their regular-season title hopes.