George Kliavkoff says he's 'very disappointed' in USC and UCLA, but remains 'bullish' on Pac-12's future
George Kliavkoff, the Pac-12 commissioner, made his first public comments about Southern Cal and UCLA’s move to the Big 10 and reiterated earlier statements released by the conference following the move.
Kliavkoff added that college sports has collectively lost sight of the student athlete, and that financial considerations have become the primary driver for many recent decisions in college sports. But in terms of the Pac-12, the conference remains “bullish” on its future and adding new revenue streams. Kliavkoff also mentioned that the Pac-12 is actively exploring expansion opportunities.
“We are in the enviable position of being next-to-market after the Big Ten. We have significant interest from partners,” Kliavkoff said on Friday at Pac-12 Media Days, and added the process will likely take months to complete, but will accelerate after the Big Ten deal is settled.
George Kliavkoff says the Pac-12 is “very disappointed” in USC and UCLA’s decision. Their departure gets a quick mention nine minutes into his speech at Media Day. Also added that college sports has “collectively lost sight of student athlete.”
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 29, 2022
Watching @Kliavkoff who reiterated the league was “disappointed” in USC and UCLA decisions to leave for Big Ten, but said they remain “bullish” about the future as they work to add new revenue streams.
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) July 29, 2022