The 2023 version of conference realignment will go down as one of the most chaotic in college athletics history. The Pac-12 as we know it is all but gone after more than 100 years of existence, with 10 of its 12 members defecting to the other power conferences.
Stanford and California became the latest schools to leave as they join the ACC in 2024, but they will reportedly do so at a reduced media rights revenue share of around 30% for the next seven years. SMU will also join the ACC from the American, though the Mustangs will not receive any base share for nine years.
Previously, USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington opted to join the Big Ten; Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are heading to the Big 12.
Now, only two Pac-12 schools remain without a home. Oregon State and Washington State have expressed interest in rebuilding the Pac-12, but that possibility could be off the table in light of the most recent departures. The AAC also dismissed interest in adding the schools, leaving the Mountain West as a likely last resort.
Eight of the Pac-12’s departing members will make more money in their new homes. Stanford and Cal will make less, while Oregon State and Washington State could make substantially less.
Here are the winners and losers of perhaps the most destructive round of realignment in history:
Losers: Oregon State and Washington State
At the (apparent) end of this realignment saga, 63 of the 65 legacy Power Five members found power conference homes. Five other schools — BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, SMU and UCF– received promotions to power conferences. Somehow, at the end of it all, only Oregon State and Washington State got screwed.
There are financial reasons why the Pacific Northwest pair wasn’t quite as attractive to major college conferences, but none offer much relief. Despite their relatively small size, both schools have passionate fanbases. A Washington…
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