Is the Pac-12 Dying?
Photo via Sports Illustrated
Colorado is the latest team to leave the Pac-12 after it was announced they will join the Big-12 for the 2024-25 season. Could this latest departure from the conference mean the end of one of college football’s classic conferences?
Although not one of the conference’s premier teams, the Colorado departure is another major blow for the Pac-12 who will lose two of the country’s biggest brands, UCLA and USC, after this season.
There is also speculation other major brands like Oregon and Arizona could be considering other options after this season.
Losing programs is obviously a major blow to the conference, however, expansion should be a relatively easy route for officials to take. Grabbing schools from the Mountain West like Fresno State, Hawaii, and San Diego State could help ease concerns about the state of the conference.
The biggest threat facing the Pac-12 currently is their expiring media deal. The current deal expires in 2024. The best thing Pac-12 officials can do is land a media deal on par with that of competitors like the Big-12, which might be difficult after losing major schools.
Securing a big money deal would show current members that there is value in staying at the conference and entice others to join.
As of now, the Pac-12 will survive. However, the loss of two more major programs and an underwhelming media deal might be the final nail in the coffin for one of college football’s “Power Five” conferences.
