Why is Everyone Leaving The Pac-12? Know Here
by Abinaya | Updated Aug 07, 2023
Why is Everyone Leaving The Pac-12?
The primary reason for the recent exodus from the Pac-12 conference can be boiled down to a crucial factor: money. In comparison to other prominent "Power 5" conferences, the Pac-12 has struggled to secure competitive media rights deals and subsequently lags behind in terms of the average annual payout for member schools.
However, the decision to depart from the Pac-12 involves more than just financial considerations, albeit not substantially more. The conference has notably failed to establish a strong presence in two of collegiate sports' most popular disciplines: football and basketball. In football, the Pac-12 has faced a drought, with the last national championship victory achieved by USC in 2003 and 2004.
Moreover, the conference's absence from the College Football Playoff scene since Washington's appearance in 2016 highlights the uphill battle it has encountered. Similarly, basketball has also been a realm of struggle for the Pac-12, despite the presence of traditional powerhouse programs like Arizona and UCLA.
The conference has not celebrated an NCAA Tournament championship since Arizona's triumph in 1997, and the last time a Pac-12 team reached the championship game was UCLA's loss to Florida in 2006. These considerable factors have undoubtedly influenced teams' decisions to leave the Pac-12. However, the most immediate and pressing concern revolves around financial matters, particularly stemming from the Pac-12's inability to secure a lucrative media rights deal.
As member schools seek to position themselves for success on both athletic and financial fronts, the pursuit of more favorable arrangements appears to be a driving force behind their departures from the conference.
Why did Everyone Leave the Pac-12?
The departure of multiple teams from the Pac-12 conference can be attributed to a fundamental factor: financial considerations. While several reasons contribute to this shift, the predominant catalyst revolves around the financial landscape of collegiate sports. The Pac-12 has found itself consistently lagging behind its counterparts within the esteemed "Power 5" conferences, particularly in the arena of media rights agreements.
One of the pivotal aspects of this financial discrepancy lies in the average annual payout allocated to each member institution. Unlike other prominent conferences, the Pac-12 has faced challenges in securing lucrative media rights deals, resulting in a notable disparity in the financial resources available to member schools.
This financial gap has prompted various teams to reevaluate their conference affiliations, seeking opportunities that provide more favorable financial prospects. The desire to secure enhanced financial stability and resources for their athletic programs has motivated several institutions to explore alternative conference options.
In essence, while there are additional factors that play a role in teams departing from the Pac-12, the overarching influence of financial considerations, driven by the conference's relative struggle to secure competitive media rights deals, stands as the foremost explanation for the notable shifts in conference alignments.
Why Colorado Moved to Big 12?
Colorado's decision to move to the Big 12 conference was primarily rooted in strategic considerations that aimed to serve the best interests of the university, its athletic programs, and, most significantly, its student-athletes. The move was not made hastily; rather, it was a well-thought-out choice designed to provide a promising future for Colorado's athletic endeavors.
As the decision was unveiled, Colorado's Athletic Director, George, emphasized that the move was carefully evaluated to ensure the optimal growth and development of the university's sports programs. The intention was to embark on a positive trajectory that aligns with the university's goals and aspirations.
Leading up to this pivotal decision, there were intriguing cues that hinted at Colorado's transition. During a media event before what would be their final season in their previous conference, George's early departure without commentary fueled speculation regarding the university's intentions. This, coupled with subsequent developments, intensified anticipation about the university's future conference affiliation.
A notable turning point occurred when Colorado's Chancellor, DiStefano, made a significant announcement during a board of regents' videoconference. Sitting alongside the school's athletic director, the revelation was made public that the Big 12 had extended an invitation to the University of Colorado Boulder as part of its conference expansion efforts.
This move underscored the proactive approach that the Big 12 was taking to enhance its athletic landscape. The allure of the Big 12's vision and platform played a pivotal role in Colorado's decision-making process. Other athletic directors within the conference acknowledged the attractiveness of the framework established by the Big 12, citing its appeal as a key factor that influenced Colorado's return.
In contrast to perceptions of ruthlessness, the decision-making process was characterized by a carefully defined vision set by the conference leadership, led by TCU's athletic director, Donati. The alignment between this vision and Colorado's own aspirations proved to be a compelling factor that solidified the university's choice to join the Big 12.
About Pac-12
The Pac-12 Conference stands as a prominent collegiate athletic conference with a rich history of competition in the Western United States. Engaging in a diverse array of 24 sports at the NCAA Division I level, the Pac-12 commands attention, particularly in the realm of football, where its teams partake in the highly competitive Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Spanning across six states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington—the Pac-12's 12 member institutions constitute a blend of flagship public universities, additional public academic centers, and two esteemed private research universities. The roots of the modern Pac-12 can be traced back to the dissolution of the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), paving the way for the establishment of the Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU) in 1959.
Over the years, the conference has undergone several name changes, including Big Five, Big Six, Pacific-8, and Pacific-10, before adopting the Pac-12 identity in 2011, with the inclusion of Colorado and Utah. Distinguished by its moniker "Conference of Champions," the Pac-12 boasts an unparalleled record of NCAA national championships in team sports, solidifying its stature as a powerhouse.
Remarkably, the top three institutions with the most NCAA team championships—Stanford, UCLA, and USC—are all members of the Pac-12. The conference's resounding legacy was further accentuated when Washington's triumph in women's rowing secured the 500th NCAA championship title for a Pac-12 institution.
In a dynamic landscape marked by NCAA conference realignment, the Pac-12 has recently witnessed significant shifts in its composition. Notably, UCLA and USC unveiled plans to depart the conference for the Big Ten Conference starting in 2024. Subsequently, Colorado opted to rejoin the Big 12, and Oregon and Washington confirmed their intentions to join the Big Ten, both effective from 2024.
This wave of transitions also encompassed Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah, who announced their decision to follow Colorado into the Big 12 fold. As the Pac-12 navigates this period of transformation, its legacy as a conference marked by championship excellence and dynamic competition continues to be an indomitable force within the collegiate sports landscape. The Pac-12's role as a breeding ground for exceptional athletic talent and a stage for captivating rivalries remains steadfast, shaping its enduring impact on the realm of college athletics.
Colorado in The Pac-12
Colorado's affiliation with the Pac-12 Conference spanned from 2011 to 2024, marking a pivotal era in the university's athletic history. In June 2022, the decision was unveiled that Colorado would part ways with the Pac-12, embarking on a new chapter as a member of the Big 12 Conference, effective from July 1, 2024.
The University of Colorado holds a rich legacy in conference membership, harking back to its foundational role in the establishment of the Big Eight Conference in 1907. As the landscape evolved, the Big Eight Conference gave way to the Big 12 Conference in 1996, with Colorado remaining a stalwart member until 2010.
The year 2010 marked a significant turning point for Colorado, as the university announced its intention to depart the Big 12 Conference and forge a new alliance with the Pac-12. This pivotal shift was not only a strategic maneuver but also a response to the evolving dynamics of college football conferences in the Western United States.
At the time, the Pac-12 Conference sought to extend its reach into the Rocky Mountain region, identifying Colorado as a fitting addition to its ranks. The transition to the Pac-12 Conference elicited a range of reactions from the university's passionate fan base. While some embraced the prospect of a fresh conference affiliation, others expressed a sense of nostalgia for the Big 12 and the connections it held.
Nevertheless, Colorado's alignment with the Pac-12 proved to be a fruitful endeavor. The move translated into heightened exposure and enhanced revenue streams, positioning the university to thrive within the vibrant ecosystem of the Pac-12. However, the trajectory of conference affiliation took another turn in 2022, when Colorado once again made headlines by announcing its intent to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin the Big 12 Conference.
This decision was not devoid of rationale; the evolving landscape and dynamics within the Pac-12 prompted concerns about its stability and future competitiveness. Given the departure of prominent members from the Pac-12 Conference, Colorado's move was strategically aligned with its aspirations and long-term prospects.
As Colorado embarks on its journey to the Big 12 Conference, the university's storied legacy in conference affiliation continues to be a testament to its adaptability and commitment to collegiate athletics. The ebb and flow of conference memberships underscore the intricate interplay between tradition, strategy, and the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate sports.
Why is Everyone Leaving The Pac-12 - FAQ
The primary reason is financial. The Pac-12 has struggled with securing competitive media rights deals, leading to lower payouts for member schools.
While financial concerns are significant, the conference's underperformance in football and basketball also plays a role in teams' decisions to leave.
The Pac-12 hasn't won a national championship in football since 2003-2004 and hasn't had a College Football Playoff team since 2016. In basketball, it lacks recent NCAA Tournament championships and championship game appearances.
Yes, the inability to secure a lucrative media rights deal is currently the most pressing issue driving teams to explore other conference options.
Financial considerations are a significant driving force, but other factors like sports performance and conference stability also contribute to teams' decisions.