Pac-12 issues statement 'to explore all expansion options'
The Pac-12 continues to react to the departures of Southern Cal and UCLA, and the conference released its latest statement since the 2 major brands left for the Big Ten on Thursday.
“The Pac-12 Board met this morning and authorized the Conference to explore all expansion options. The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes.”
It appears that the future of Pac-12 members Oregon and Washington is still to be decided, as Pac-12 insider Jon Wilner suggest that USC and UCLA would presumably want them in the Big Ten.
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) July 1, 2022
USC and UCLA were committed, too.
Unless Kliavkoff can get long-haul commitments in writing – nobody will do it, and they might not even hold up in court – it’s all talk unless/until a better offer comes along
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) July 1, 2022
The Big Ten is expanding its footprint across the nation, as it looks to position itself in the country’s largest media markets. A year after Oklahoma and Texas moved to the SEC, this move allows the Big Ten conference to keep pace with the SEC as one of the most powerful entities in college sports.
As for the future of the Pac-12, that is more uncertain.
