The Pac-12's Resurrection: Rise from the Ashes with Expansion Plan

In a remarkable turn of events, the Pac-12 Conference, once teetering on the brink of collapse, has unveiled a plan to add four teams from the Mountain West Conference, bringing it back from the brink and rekindling its status as a force in college athletics.

The Pac-12 Conference, once a powerhouse in college athletics, found itself on the ropes after losing ten schools to the Big 12, ACC, and SEC in the latest wave of conference realignment. The departures left the conference with just two remaining members, Washington State and Oregon State, facing an uncertain future.

However, the Pac-12 has fought back against adversity, announcing a bold plan to add Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University to its ranks. This move would bring the conference back to six schools and provide a foundation for its continued existence as an FBS conference recognized by the NCAA.

The Pac-12's Resurrection: Rise from the Ashes with Expansion Plan

The Pac-12's resurgence is the result of a carefully orchestrated plan that began when the conference held steadfast to its belief that it could remain a relevant player in the ever-changing college athletics landscape. As other conferences expanded, the Pac-12 continued to insist that it could maintain its status as a Power Five conference.

The addition of the four Mountain West schools will give the Pac-12 the necessary number of teams to meet the NCAA's requirements for FBS status. The schools will transition to the Pac-12 in 2026, providing the conference with a two-year grace period to fill out its roster.

The Pac-12's Resurrection: Rise from the Ashes with Expansion Plan

The financial implications of the expansion are significant. The Mountain West schools will pay a combined $111 million in exit fees, which will provide the conference with a much-needed financial boost. This money will be used to invest in new media deals, which will be crucial for the Pac-12's long-term financial health.

The Pac-12's return to prominence will also depend on its ability to secure a media rights deal that provides its members with a competitive revenue share. The conference is currently in negotiations with various networks and streaming services, and the outcome of these negotiations will be critical to its future success.

The Pac-12's Resurrection: Rise from the Ashes with Expansion Plan

The addition of the Mountain West schools is not the end of the Pac-12's expansion plans. The conference is actively pursuing other schools, both within and outside the Power Five, to join its ranks. The goal is to create a conference that is both competitive and financially stable.

The Pac-12's resurgence is a testament to the power of determination and the value of a storied history. The conference has faced adversity, but it has never given up on its dream of being a major player in college athletics. With the addition of four new members, the Pac-12 is poised to rise from the ashes and reclaim its place among the most prestigious conferences in the nation.