In an announcement that sent shock waves throughout the Pac-12 Conference and the country, that beginning with the 2024 season, conference mainstays USC and UCLA intend to move to the Big-12 Conference, drastically altering the footprint of one of the nation’s oldest conferences.
The Pac-12 Conference issued the following statement this afternoon:
“While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC today, we have a long and storied history in athletics, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that we’re confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future. The Pac-12 is home to many of the world’s best universities, athletic programs and alumni, representing one of the most dynamic regions in the United States. We’ve long been known as the Conference of Champions, and we’re unwavering in our commitment to extend that title. We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member institutions, and we look forward to partnering with current and potential members to pioneer the future of college athletics together.”
The move will include all sports except beach volleyball, men’s volleyball and men’s and women’s water polo.
USC and UCLA officially announced the news on Thursday afternoon after the Big Ten accepted the programs.
Where that leaves the conference is open to speculation but it’s highlly unlikely the league stands pat, whether that means also applying for a move to the Big-10, potentially merging with the Big-12 or enticing some of the conference’s bigger programs to join a reformulated Pac-12 Conference in the future.
Stay tuned...
