The Pac-12 Conference, once a powerhouse in college athletics, is currently navigating a period of unprecedented turmoil. The once-proud conference, known as the “Conference of Champions,” has been dramatically reshaped as a result of a wave of departures and realignment that began in 2021.
The catalyst for this seismic shift was the departure of two of the Pac-12’s most valuable members, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC), to the Big Ten Conference in 2024. This move was a major blow to the Pac-12, as it not only lost two of its most recognizable and successful programs, but also a significant amount of media revenue.
The departures of UCLA and USC set off a domino effect, as other Pac-12 schools began to explore their options. By the end of 2023, ten of the conference’s 12 members had announced their departures, leaving only Oregon State University and Washington State University as the remaining members. These departures were driven by a combination of factors, including the perceived lack of financial stability in the Pac-12, the desire to compete in a conference with a larger national footprint, and the opportunity to secure more lucrative media rights deals.
With the exodus of most of its members, the Pac-12 was left in a precarious position. The conference was forced to confront the reality that it could no longer operate as a major force in college athletics with only two members. In response, the Pac-12 leadership took steps to rebuild the conference. In 2024, the conference added four schools from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) — Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State — to its ranks, with those schools joining the conference in 2026.
However, the additions of these four schools did not address the Pac-12’s immediate needs. The conference still lacked the critical mass needed to secure a lucrative media rights deal and remain competitive in the changing landscape of college athletics. While these new schools bring some brand recognition and athletic success, they also are not a cure-all for the Pac-12.
The Pac-12’s future remains uncertain, but the conference is working to secure its long-term stability. Recent reports indicate that the Pac-12 is actively seeking additional members. The conference is facing a difficult task, but its leaders are committed to rebuilding the conference and ensuring its continued success.
The Pac-12’s story is a cautionary tale for other conferences, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. The conference’s future will depend on its ability to adapt, innovate, and secure the resources necessary to compete with the nation’s top athletic programs.
