Introduction
In a significant shift in the landscape of college sports, the Universities of Oregon and Washington have announced their departure from the PAC-12 to join the Big Ten. This move, which marks the third and fourth PAC-12 members to transition to the Big Ten in the last 13 months, is seen as a transformative opportunity for both universities. The decision was driven by the potential for increased stability, exposure, and the chance to compete against some of the nation’s best programs.
Oregon and Washington, both charter members of the PAC-12 since 1915, have expressed their gratitude for the conference’s history and traditions. However, they acknowledge that the landscape of college athletics has dramatically changed in recent years. The Big Ten’s history of athletic and academic success, coupled with its long-term stability, is seen as a better position for their teams’ future success.
This move is not without its challenges, with financial concerns over additional travel costs being a significant consideration. Despite these concerns, both universities have committed to continuing their in-state rivalries with PAC-12 members Oregon State and Washington State, respectively.
The departure of Oregon and Washington, along with USC and UCLA, who announced their planned departures last summer, will make the Big Ten an 18-team conference by the 2024-25 season, the largest in college football history. This transition signifies a new era in college sports, with potential implications for other teams and conferences.
Historical context
The Pac-12 Conference, previously known as the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC, 1915–1959), Athletic Association of Western Universities (AAWU, 1959–1968), Pacific-8 (1968–1978), and Pacific-10 (1978–2011), has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1915. The modern Pac-12 conference was formed after the disbanding of the PCC, whose principal members founded the AAWU in 1959. The conference underwent several name changes, including Big Five, Big Six, Pacific-8, and Pacific-10, before adopting the Pac-12 moniker in 2011 with the addition of Colorado and Utah.
The Pac-12 Conference is often referred to as the “Conference of Champions,” as it has won more NCAA national championships in team sports than any other conference in history. The top three schools with the most NCAA team championships are members of the Pac-12: Stanford, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Southern California (USC), respectively.
However, the conference has seen significant changes in recent years. On June 30, 2022, amid the broader early-2020s NCAA conference realignment, UCLA and USC announced plans to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference starting in 2024. On July 27, 2023, Colorado announced it would be leaving the conference to re-join the Big 12 starting in 2024. On August 4, 2023, Oregon and Washington announced plans to also join the Big Ten in 2024. On the same day, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah announced plans to follow Colorado to the Big 12.
The Announcement
The landscape of college sports underwent a drastic change when the University of Oregon and the University of Washington announced their departure from the Pac-12 Conference to join the Big Ten Conference, effective in 2024. This decision coincided with the end of the Pac-12’s media rights deal with ESPN and FOX, marking a significant shift in the collegiate sports landscape. The move was initiated by UCLA and USC, who announced their departure from the Big Ten at the start of the 2024-25 season.
The decision to leave after the conclusion of the Pac-12’s media rights deal saved the schools from having to pay any exit fee. The Pac-12 expressed disappointment at the news, stating that it was a blow for the student-athletes, fans, alumni, and staff who cherished the over 100-year history, tradition, and rivalries of the Conference of Champions. However, the conference remained focused on securing the best possible future for each of its member universities.
The Big Ten Council of Presidents/chancellors voted unanimously to approve Oregon and Washington to the conference effective August 2, 2024. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti welcomed the universities, looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with the universities, administrators, staff, student-athletes, coaches, and fans. Both institutions were recognized for their combination of academic and athletic excellence, which would prove a great fit for the Big Ten’s future.
Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens described the acceptance into the Big Ten Conference as a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of the university and athletics department. Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen expressed tremendous respect and gratitude for the Pac-12, acknowledging that while the college athletics landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, the Big Ten’s history of athletic and academic success and long-term stability best positions their teams for future success.
The Reasons Behind the Move
The decision by the University of Oregon and the University of Washington to transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten was influenced by several factors.
Financial Implications
One of the more significant factors was the financial implications. The Big Ten’s media rights deal, which is set to expire in 2023, is expected to be lucrative, potentially surpassing the SEC’s recent deal with ESPN. The Pac-12’s media rights deal, on the other hand, has been less profitable for its member schools. The Big Ten’s ability to negotiate a more profitable media rights deal was a significant factor in the decision by Oregon and Washington to make the move.
Competitive Advantages
The move also provides competitive advantages for both universities. The Big Ten is considered one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and joining this conference allows Oregon and Washington to compete against some of the best programs in the nation. This could potentially enhance their national profile and recruiting capabilities.
Geographic Considerations
Geographic considerations also played a role in the decision. While the move to the Big Ten places Oregon and Washington in a conference that is geographically distant, the potential benefits in terms of increased exposure and competitiveness outweighed the geographic inconveniences.
Stability and Future Success
The universities also cited the Big Ten’s history of athletic and academic success and long-term stability as reasons for the move. They believe that these factors best position their teams for future success.
Impact on PAC-12
The departure of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 Conference to join the Big Ten in 2024 has left a significant void in the Pac-12, a conference with a rich history dating back to 1915. The move, along with other recent departures, has reduced the Pac-12 to just four teams, placing the conference on the verge of extinction.
Remaining Teams’ Uncertain Future
The remaining Pac-12 teams, Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State, are left without a natural landing spot that would ensure their long-term stability. For Cal and Stanford, the Big Ten has been mentioned as a possible destination, but the financial implications and media rights value make this uncertain. Both schools may face survival mode, potentially cutting sports and exploring options like independence in football or joining other conferences like the Mountain West.
Oregon State and Washington State face similar challenges, with no leverage and very little prospect of joining a power conference. The expectation of $30 million or more in TV money will not be met in the Mountain West, forcing both schools to reinvent their athletic departments. While life in the Mountain West might not be so bad, it represents a drop from major college football.
Disappointment and Preparedness
Washington State’s president and athletic director expressed disappointment at the decisions by their Pac-12 peers but acknowledged that they had prepared for numerous scenarios, including the current situation. The loss of Oregon and Washington, along with other departures, has undoubtedly shaken the foundation of the Pac-12, but the remaining schools are actively working to determine their next steps.
The impact of Oregon and Washington’s move to the Big Ten on the Pac-12 is profound. It leaves the conference in a precarious position, with its remaining members facing an uncertain future. The financial challenges, coupled with the loss of historical rivalries and traditions, mark a significant turning point in the landscape of college sports. The Pac-12’s ability to adapt and rebuild will be a critical storyline to watch in the coming years.
Impact on Big Ten
The addition of Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten Conference, effective August 2, 2024, marks a significant expansion for the conference, strengthening its Western flank and making it the largest major athletic conference with 18 members.
Financial Growth
The financial aspect of this move is substantial. Both Oregon and Washington will receive approximately $30 million annually when they join the league, a share that will increase by $1 million during the current media contract with Fox, NBC, and CBS, which runs through the 2029-30 athletic season. They will then be able to receive full shares. The other Big Ten members are expected to receive more than $60 million annually from the new agreement, an amount that will increase over the life of the deal.
Strategic Expansion
The Big Ten’s expansion strategy has been rapid and decisive. After adding USC and UCLA in June 2022, the league moved quickly on Oregon and Washington, focusing on integrating these schools and exploring further expansion possibilities. The alignment with Oregon and Washington was clear, considering the full spectrum of academic, athletic, and research excellence.
West Coast Presence
Oregon and Washington give the Big Ten a more robust West Coast presence and potential travel partners for USC and UCLA. This geographical expansion enhances the Big Ten’s reach and influence, providing new opportunities for collaboration and competition.
Impact on Scheduling
The expansion additions mean the Big Ten will reissue its 2024 and 2025 football schedules. The league is expected to maintain the key elements of the “Flex Protect Plus” model, which set 11 annual matchups between rivals but increased the overall rotation of games while eliminating divisions.
Commitment to Rivalries
Both Oregon and Washington have expressed their commitment to continuing their in-state rivalries with Oregon State and Washington State, respectively. This commitment to tradition and rivalry is a significant aspect of the move, reflecting the values of the Big Ten Conference.
The Big Ten’s addition of Oregon and Washington is a transformative move that strengthens the conference both financially and competitively. It enhances the Big Ten’s presence on the West Coast, provides new opportunities for collaboration, and reflects a strategic approach to expansion. The impact on the Big Ten is profound, setting the stage for a new era of competition and collaboration in college sports.
The Transition Process
The transition of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, set to take place in 2024, is a complex and multifaceted process that involves several key considerations.
Timeline and Finalization
The move was finalized on August 4, 2023, marking one of the most historic days in conference realignment. The transition will be completed in 2024, giving both universities and the conferences ample time to prepare for the changes.
Legal and Logistical Considerations
While the article does not delve into specific legal and logistical details, such a significant move undoubtedly involves careful planning and coordination. This includes renegotiating media rights, aligning with the Big Ten’s scheduling models, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and agreements.
Impact on Scheduling
The addition of Oregon and Washington means the Big Ten will need to reissue its 2024 and 2025 football schedules. The league is expected to maintain key elements of its scheduling model but will need to tweak it to accommodate the new members. The Big Ten has remained committed to nine-game league schedules, a practice that both Oregon and Washington are familiar with from their time in the Pac-12.
Commitment to Rivalries
The transition also involves considerations around traditional rivalries. Both Oregon and Washington have expressed a commitment to continuing their in-state rivalries with Oregon State and Washington State, respectively. This reflects a broader commitment to preserving the historical and cultural connections between these institutions.
The transition of Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten is a significant milestone in college sports, reflecting broader trends of consolidation and realignment. The process involves careful planning, coordination, and a commitment to preserving the traditions and values that define these universities and their athletic programs. The successful completion of this transition will set the stage for a new era of competition and collaboration within the Big Ten, with potential ripple effects across the landscape of college sports.
Reactions from Oregon and Washington
The decision by the University of Oregon and the University of Washington to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big Ten was met with a mix of excitement and gratitude by the universities’ officials.
Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens described the acceptance into the Big Ten Conference as a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon. He believes this move will change the short and long-term trajectory of the university and its athletics department. He expressed gratitude to the Pac-12 for its support over the years and looked forward to the new opportunities that the Big Ten would offer.
Similarly, Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen expressed tremendous respect and gratitude for the Pac-12. She acknowledged that while the college athletics landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, the Big Ten’s history of athletic and academic success and long-term stability best positions their teams for future success.
Both universities are excited about the opportunities that the Big Ten presents and are committed to making the most of this new chapter in their athletic history. They are also committed to maintaining their in-state rivalries with Oregon State and Washington State, respectively, reflecting their commitment to preserving their historical and cultural connections.
Reactions from the Big Ten Community
The Big Ten community has welcomed Oregon and Washington with open arms. The addition of these two universities is seen as a strategic move that strengthens the conference both financially and competitively.
Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren expressed his excitement about the addition of Oregon and Washington, stating that they are “world-class institutions with outstanding academic and athletic traditions.” He believes that the addition of these two universities enhances the Big Ten’s footprint and solidifies its position as one of the most prestigious athletic conferences in the country.
The existing Big Ten members are also looking forward to the increased competition that Oregon and Washington will bring to the conference. The addition of these universities will undoubtedly raise the level of competition, providing exciting new matchups for fans and athletes alike.
Overall, the Big Ten community is excited about the opportunities that the addition of Oregon and Washington presents. They are looking forward to the new era of competition and collaboration that this move signifies.
Reactions from the PAC-12 Community
The departure of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 Conference has been met with a mix of disappointment and understanding within the Pac-12 community.
Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff expressed disappointment at the decisions by Oregon and Washington to leave the conference. He acknowledged the significant impact this would have on the conference, particularly in terms of its historical rivalries and traditions. However, he also recognized the changing landscape of college sports and the need for universities to make decisions that they believe are in their best interest.
The remaining Pac-12 universities have also expressed their reactions to the news. While they are saddened to see their fellow members leave, they understand the reasons behind the decision and are focused on determining their own future within the changing landscape of college sports.
Fan Reactions
Fan reactions to the move of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten have been mixed. While some fans are excited about the new opportunities and increased competition that the Big Ten will offer, others are nostalgic about the historical rivalries and traditions of the Pac-12.
Analyst Opinions
The move of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten is a significant development in the landscape of college sports. Analysts are likely to have diverse opinions on this move, reflecting the complexity of its implications.
Performance Predictions
In terms of performance, Oregon and Washington are expected to be competitive in the Big Ten. Both universities have strong athletic programs, and their addition to the Big Ten will undoubtedly raise the level of competition within the conference. However, they will also face new challenges as they compete against some of the top programs in the nation.
Financial Implications
From a financial perspective, the move is likely to be beneficial for Oregon and Washington. The Big Ten’s media rights deal is expected to be more lucrative than the Pac-12’s, providing a significant financial boost for these universities.
Long-Term Implications
In the long term, the move could have significant implications for the landscape of college sports. It reflects broader trends of consolidation and realignment, as universities seek to position themselves for success in a rapidly changing environment. The success of Oregon and Washington in the Big Ten could influence other universities’ decisions about conference affiliation in the future.
Comparative Analysis: PAC-12 vs Big Ten
The PAC-12 and Big Ten are two of the most prestigious conferences in college sports, each with its own strengths and characteristics.
Competitive Level
Both the PAC-12 and Big Ten are known for their high level of competition. They are home to some of the top athletic programs in the country, and their teams regularly compete in high-profile games and tournaments.
Geographic and Cultural Differences
The PAC-12, located in the western United States, and the Big Ten, primarily located in the Midwest and East, represent different geographic and cultural regions. This can influence various aspects of the conferences, from the style of play to the recruitment of athletes.
Financial Considerations
The Big Ten has historically been one of the most financially successful conferences in college sports, largely due to its lucrative media rights deals. This financial strength is one of the factors that has attracted Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten.
Academic Reputation
Both the PAC-12 and Big Ten are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization of leading research universities. This reflects the strong academic reputation of these conferences and their member universities.
The First Season: Expectations and Predictions
The first season of Oregon and Washington in the Big Ten will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment for both universities. They will be competing against new teams, in new environments, and under new expectations. However, both universities have strong athletic programs and are expected to be competitive in their new conference.
Performance Expectations
In terms of performance, Oregon and Washington are expected to hold their own in the Big Ten. Both universities have had success in the Pac-12, and they will be looking to carry that success into their new conference. However, they will also be facing new challenges and higher levels of competition, which could impact their performance, especially in their first season.
Fan Engagement
The first season will also be a critical time for fan engagement. Fans of Oregon and Washington will be eager to see how their teams perform in the Big Ten, and they will be looking for exciting games and competitive matchups. The universities will need to work hard to engage their fans and build excitement around their new conference.
Long-Term Implications
The first season in the Big Ten will set the tone for Oregon and Washington’s future in the conference. Their performance in this season could influence their reputation and standing within the conference, as well as their ability to recruit top athletes in the future.
In conclusion, while the first season of Oregon and Washington in the Big Ten will be a period of adjustment, it also presents exciting opportunities for these universities. Their performance this season will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and other stakeholders, and it could have significant implications for their future in the conference.
Potential Challenges
The transition of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten is a complex process that will likely present several challenges.
Adjustment to New Competition
One of the main challenges will be adjusting to the new level of competition in the Big Ten. While both universities have strong athletic programs, the Big Ten is home to some of the top programs in the nation. This could present new challenges for Oregon and Washington, particularly in their first few seasons in the conference.
Logistical Considerations
The transition also involves significant logistical considerations. This includes renegotiating media rights, aligning with the Big Ten’s scheduling models, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and agreements. These logistical challenges will require careful planning and coordination.
Maintaining Fan Engagement
Maintaining fan engagement during the transition will also be a challenge. Fans of Oregon and Washington may have strong emotional connections to the Pac-12 and its traditions, and they may have mixed feelings about the move to the Big Ten. The universities will need to work hard to engage their fans and build excitement around their new conference.
Overcoming Potential Resistance
Finally, there may be resistance to the move from various stakeholders, including other universities, athletic conferences, and regulatory bodies. Overcoming this resistance will require effective communication and negotiation.
Conclusion
The transition of Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten marks a significant shift in the landscape of college sports. This move reflects broader trends of consolidation and realignment, as universities seek to position themselves for success in a rapidly changing environment. While the transition presents several potential challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities for these universities. With careful planning and coordination, Oregon and Washington can navigate these challenges and make the most of their new opportunities in the Big Ten.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Oregon and Washington decide to leave the Pac-12?
Oregon and Washington decided to leave the Pac-12 for several reasons, including financial implications, competitive advantages, and geographic considerations. The Big Ten’s media rights deal is expected to be more lucrative than the Pac-12’s, providing a significant financial boost for these universities.
2. How will the move affect the Pac-12 and Big Ten?
The departure of Oregon and Washington will have a significant impact on the Pac-12, affecting its financial strength and competitive balance. On the other hand, the addition of these universities will strengthen the Big Ten, enhancing its competitive level and financial stability.
3. What are the potential challenges of the transition?
The transition involves several potential challenges, including adjusting to new competition, managing logistical considerations, maintaining fan engagement, and overcoming potential resistance from various stakeholders.
4. How are fans reacting to the move?
Fan reactions to the move have been mixed. While some fans are excited about the new opportunities and increased competition that the Big Ten will offer, others are nostalgic about the historical rivalries and traditions of the Pac-12.
5. What are the long-term implications of the move?
In the long term, the move could have significant implications for the landscape of college sports. It reflects broader trends of consolidation and realignment, and the success of Oregon and Washington in the Big Ten could influence other universities’ decisions about conference affiliation in the future.
