DENVER >> The troubled Western Athletic Conference is adding Grand Canyon University to replace the University of Denver, which is bolting for the Summit League after just one year in the WAC.

But the WAC must find another school — and quickly — in order to keep its automatic qualifying berths in the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

The invitation to join July 1, 2013, is contingent upon Grand Canyon completing that reclassification process from Division II to Division I. Because of that transition, the Antelopes won’t be eligible for postseason play next year.

Grand Canyon, located in Phoenix with an enrollment of 6,500, joins Cal State-Bakersfield, Idaho, New Mexico State, Seattle and Utah Valley in the WAC, which is dropping football next year.