Pac-12 Expands with New Additions from Mountain West
The Pac-12, now reduced to just two members, is embarking on a significant rebuilding phase, kicking off this effort by inviting four prominent Mountain West schools to join its ranks. Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Fresno State are set to officially become members of the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026, as announced on Thursday.
In the wake of extensive conference realignment that has left the Pac-12 with only Oregon State and Washington State, the league finds itself with limited options. NCAA regulations stipulate that conferences must achieve a minimum of eight members within two years of a major membership change. By adding these four institutions, the Pac-12 will increase its membership to six for the 2026 season. This initial expansion could pave the way for further additions, potentially including more Mountain West schools, accelerating the rebuild process.
“For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has stood as a premier entity in intercollegiate athletics,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. “We are committed to exploring bold and innovative opportunities for growth and advancement, ensuring we best serve our member institutions and student-athletes.” She expressed gratitude towards the board for their efforts in welcoming Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University into the conference, declaring, “An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today.”
However, this transition comes at a considerable financial cost. Each incoming school will be required to pay a hefty exit fee of $17 million for leaving their current conference over a year in advance. Additionally, a football scheduling agreement between the Pac-12 and Mountain West, established last year, mandates an extra payment of approximately $43 million for the inclusion of these four schools. Notably, had the Pac-12 absorbed all 12 Mountain West schools, no exit fees would have been charged.
Fortunately, the Pac-12 is not without resources. The conference possesses a financial reserve valued in the high tens of millions, a result of the departures of ten former members and the subsequent settlement agreements. This financial buffer is expected to cover a portion of the total $111 million owed in exit fees to the Mountain West.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez emphasized that all schools must adhere to the conference’s bylaws and policies, stating, “Our Board of Directors is meeting to determine our next steps.”
In addition to the exit fees, the four schools exiting the Mountain West will forfeit their annual league payout, which ranges between $7-8 million. However, should further realignment occur and nine of the twelve Mountain West members choose to dissolve the conference, it could lead to waiving those fees altogether, resulting in significant savings.
The four Mountain West schools bring with them the legacy of a 108-year-old conference that still holds considerable value in terms of history, brand recognition, and intellectual property. The timing of this move is also advantageous, as the Mountain West’s television deal extends to 2026. There is optimism that the incoming schools could secure higher television revenue within a reconstructed Pac-12, particularly as the less-valuable Mountain West institutions are excluded from the equation. Currently, Mountain West members earn approximately $6 million annually per school from their television deal, ranking second among Group of 5 conferences.
The relationship between the Pac-12 and Mountain West has soured in recent months, as reported by The Athletic. Negotiations to extend the 2024 football scheduling agreement for the 2025 season broke down, primarily due to financial disagreements. The Mountain West believed it held leverage in these discussions, yet the Pac-12 successfully persuaded its most valuable schools to make the transition.
What’s next for the Pac-12 and Mountain West after missing the 2025 scheduling deadline?
The four new additions are seen as key players for the Pac-12, with future expansions to be determined after establishing a solid core. The revitalized league may choose to maintain its regional focus by adding more Mountain West schools or attempt to broaden its reach by including teams from other Group of 5 conferences. Meanwhile, Stanford and Cal remain affiliated with the ACC, and ongoing legal disputes involving Florida State and Clemson complicate potential exits from that league. Additionally, Oregon State and Washington State have been closely monitoring the ACC for any signs of instability.
For Oregon State and Washington State, their path to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and 2025 hinges on securing at-large bids. In a restructured Pac-12, the conference champion would have the opportunity to vie for one of the five automatic bids designated for conference champions. Thus far, the only stipulation for the College Football Playoff in 2026 and beyond is that a minimum of five conference champions will earn a spot, with the Big Ten and SEC poised to reap the most financial rewards.
Interestingly, the timing of the Pac-12’s expansion announcement coincides with significant rivalry games this week. Oregon State is set to host Oregon, while Washington State will face Washington. With the spotlight on these two remaining schools during their crucial matchups, the narrative may shift from one of being left behind in realignment to a more optimistic outlook as the rebuilding phase begins.
Required reading
- Why the Mountain West and Pac-12 leftovers’ shared realignment future is no longer a given
- ‘All hell broke loose’: The chaotic final days that shook the Pac-12 and college football to their core
(Photo: Kirby Lee / Getty Images)
