The Pac-12’s Ambitious Rebuilding Plan: A New Era on the Horizon
In a bold move to reclaim its status in college athletics, the Pac-12 is mobilizing its long-discussed plan to rebuild the league by targeting schools from the Mountain West Conference. According to sources from Yahoo Sports, the two remaining members of the Pac-12, Washington State and Oregon State, are eyeing Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State as potential new additions. This strategic expansion aims to revitalize the conference, with the goal of welcoming these schools by the 2026 academic year.
A League in Transition
The Pac-12 has faced significant challenges over the past year, losing ten of its member schools to rival conferences such as the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. This mass exodus left the league in a precarious position, prompting Commissioner Teresa Gould and her team to explore various options for the future. The prevailing belief among league officials is that the Pac-12 brand, with its rich 108-year history, can be preserved and even strengthened through strategic expansion.
The current plan represents the first phase of a multi-phase expansion endeavor, with the aim of reaching at least eight schools— the NCAA’s minimum requirement for a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference. If the targeted Mountain West schools join, the Pac-12 will still need to secure two additional members by July 2026 to meet this threshold.
The Application Process
The membership applications from the targeted schools are expected to be submitted soon, with the Pac-12’s board needing to approve any new additions. This process is anticipated to be finalized by the end of the week, marking a significant step in the league’s efforts to rebuild. However, the financial implications of this expansion are considerable. Each Mountain West school faces a $17 million exit fee, and the Pac-12 will incur an additional penalty fee of $10-12 million for each school acquired, stemming from a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West.
A New Media Rights Agreement
In light of these financial challenges, Pac-12 officials have been negotiating a new media rights agreement that promises to surpass the current and future television packages of the Mountain West. This agreement is crucial for attracting new members and ensuring the financial viability of the conference moving forward. The potential revenue from the Rose Bowl contract, College Football Playoff (CFP), NCAA basketball tournament units, and Pac-12 Enterprises (formerly the Pac-12 Network) could provide a much-needed financial boost.
Despite the loss of its designation as an autonomous power conference— which previously granted it greater voting privileges within NCAA governance and more revenue from the CFP distribution model— the Pac-12 is optimistic about its future. The league’s officials are working diligently to regain a competitive edge and restore its status in college athletics.
A Vision for the Future
During the Pac-12 media days held in Las Vegas in July, Commissioner Gould expressed her vision for the conference’s future. She emphasized the strong interest in maintaining a high-level conference rooted on the West Coast, highlighting the passion of communities and fan bases for the Pac-12 brand. "There is a lot of nostalgia about the possibility of a rebuild," Gould stated, underscoring the emotional connection many have with the conference.
The Pac-12’s expansion strategy is not only about adding schools; it also considers geographic and cultural significance. By targeting institutions with strong athletic programs, the Pac-12 aims to enhance its competitive landscape while simultaneously delivering a blow to the Mountain West, which could lose some of its top brands.
The Ripple Effects of Realignment
The Pac-12’s expansion efforts may trigger a new wave of realignment across college athletics. As the Mountain West seeks to fill the void left by departing schools, it may look to elevate members from the Group of Five or even FCS levels. This could lead to a reshaping of the college football landscape, with potential implications for other conferences as well.
Moreover, the Pac-12’s rebuilding efforts could have significant ramifications for the College Football Playoff. With the recent changes to the playoff format, the Pac-12 champion is currently ineligible for an automatic qualifying spot due to not meeting the CFP’s conference-minimum requirement. However, with the anticipated expansion and the addition of new members, the rebuilt Pac-12 could regain eligibility for an automatic bid starting in 2026.
Conclusion
The Pac-12’s ambitious plan to rebuild the league through strategic expansion represents a pivotal moment in college athletics. As the conference navigates the complexities of realignment and financial challenges, its ability to attract new members and secure a sustainable future will be crucial. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Pac-12 is poised to embark on a new era, one that could redefine its place in the world of college sports. The coming months will be critical as the league takes decisive steps toward revitalization and reestablishing its identity in the competitive landscape of college athletics.