After months of uncertainty and financial struggles, the Pac-12 conference is making a comeback with the admission of four new schools: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. These schools, along with Washington State and Oregon State, will begin competing in the Pac-12 starting in the summer of 2026. This expansion move comes after the conference faced a major setback in 2023 when eight schools left, leaving Washington State and Oregon State in a difficult position.
Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould expressed excitement for the future, stating that the conference will continue to seek growth opportunities and progress to benefit its member institutions and student-athletes. The conference plans to add at least two more schools by the summer of 2026 to comply with NCAA rules, with potential candidates from the Mountain West conference expressing interest in joining.
The Pac-12’s strategic expansion was made possible by securing $250 million in assets through a negotiated settlement with departing schools, allowing them to lure new members. The conference used established criteria such as competitive success, academic reputation, media value, and geographic fit to identify potential schools. Ultimately, the Pac-12’s brand and resources proved more attractive to schools than remaining in the Mountain West.
Looking ahead, the Pac-12 must finalize football schedules for the 2025 season, continue membership negotiations, secure a media rights deal for 2026 and beyond, and explore new revenue streams. The conference’s successful expansion signals a new era for the Pac-12, showcasing resilience and strategic planning in the face of challenges.
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