Pac-12 Looks to Expand as Conference Dwindles to Nine Member Schools

After losing Colorado to the Big 12 and UCLA and USC to the Big Ten, the Pac-12 this week said it will pursue expansion over the coming months. 

With just nine teams left and no media rights deal yet signed, the Pac-12 said in a statement that it will continue forward. 

“We are focused on concluding our media rights deal and securing our continued success and growth,” the Pac-12 said. “Immediately following the conclusion of our media rights deal, we will embrace expansion opportunities and bring new fans, markets, excitement and value to the Pac-12.”

According to the Associated Press, possible Pac-12 additions could include San Diego State and SMU. 

Oregon State was the only Pac-12 school to comment following the Colorado announcement. 

“Oregon State Athletics trusts that the Pac-12 will secure a media rights deal that will strongly benefit the institutions that are remaining loyal to this conference,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said. “All of us at Oregon State will continue to work hard and diligently to continue the long-term membership and success of our athletic department at a national level.”

Oregon State's president Jayathi Murthy said her school remains committed to the conference. 

“We are united by our shared values, our passion for the highest level of intercollegiate athletic competition, our leadership roles as Tier 1 research universities and our support for student-athletes’ academic and athletic excellence,” Murthy said.