Stability. That’s what Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt said in late July about Deion Sanders and Colorado returning to the Big 12. With Colorado first leaving the Pac-12, it paved the way for other programs to follow suit. Washington, Oregon, USC, and UCLA moved to the Big Ten while Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah joined the Big 12, and Stanford and Cal moved to the ACC. Now, the conference has only two teams under them Washington State and Oregon State. 

This is what Colorado Chancellor Phillip DiStefano and Athletic Director Rick George announced in a joint statement after their official announcement to leave Pac-12 – “After careful thought and consideration, it was determined that a switch in conference would give CU Boulder the stability, resources, and exposure necessary for long-term future success in a college athletics environment that is constantly evolving.” But has money also played a determining factor? 

When the Big Ten and SEC media rights deals were signed, the Pac-12 suffered. When USC and UCLA moved away, they lost the Los Angeles TV market which hindered their talks for a new media rights deal. As per Oregon insider John Canzano, “The Pac-12 had an offer from ESPN of $30 million per school in the fall of 2022. The network wanted it all. But the presidents and chancellors wanted more” with “$50 million per school.” So, ESPN backed down and instead landed with the Big 12 along with Fox for $31.7 million per school, according to Pete Thamel. 

This extra $1.7 million lured Deion Sanders and Colorado along with the other three programs to move to the Big 12. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 landed a deal with Apple TV for a $23 million deal. But there have been talks that 2025 could be a game-changer for the Pac-12. 

What’s next for the Pac-12?

Would Deion Sanders and the other programs’ HCs regret their choice of leaving the Pac-12? It’s hard to say but on Wednesday night, there had been multiple sources predicting an epic comeback by the Pac-12. Currently, with just two programs, it has been reported that the conference is targeting four Mountain West schools. 

According to Ross Dellenger, “The Pac-12 is mobilizing a long-discussed plan to rebuild the league with additions from the Mountain West. Oregon State & Washington State are targeting Boise, SD State, Fresno & CSU. The schools are applying for membership.” These teams are some of the best in Mountain West with 10 of the last 12 MW football championship wins. Getting them onboard would maximize their chances of competing with more prominent conferences while also bringing more TV market deals back to the conference. The Pac-12 will have to build a conference of eight schools by July 2026 as directed by the NCAA.