Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 1:05 am GMT
In a bold move to secure its future and reclaim its position among collegiate sports, the Pac-12 Conference is once again exploring options for expansion. With the looming deadline to maintain NCAA recognition, the Pac-12 has set its sights on adding prominent universities like Memphis and Tulane, while also considering others from various conferences.
The Quest for New Members
The Pac-12, which recently expanded by adding four universities from the Mountain West Conference, is looking to solidify its presence in collegiate athletics by bringing in more schools. Chris Vannini of The Athletic reports that Memphis and Tulane are the top candidates, with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), North Texas, South Florida, and Texas State also under consideration. This potential expansion reflects the conference’s strategy to adapt to the changing landscape of college sports.
- Top Targets: Memphis and Tulane.
- Central-Eastern Options: UTSA, North Texas, South Florida, Texas State.
- Mountain West Contenders: Remaining schools could still be in play.
According to sources, the Pac-12’s ongoing efforts may also include a focus on schools in the Mountain West, although no formal announcements have been made regarding these schools. Oregon State Athletic Director Scott Barnes hinted at increasing interest from various institutions interested in joining the Pac-12.
Why This Matters
The urgency behind these moves stems from the Pac-12’s need to ensure it has a minimum of eight members by July 1, 2026, to maintain its status as a recognized conference by the NCAA. With Oregon and Washington recently leaving the conference for the Big Ten, the remaining schools face pressure to adapt quickly to maintain competitive scheduling and enhanced media rights deals, particularly in football.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould emphasized the importance of balancing patience and aggressiveness in their pursuit of new members. She stated, “We haven’t set a soft or a hard timeline at all because for us, it’s really about being patient enough to see what opportunities might unfold, but also being aggressive enough to create opportunities on our own.”
Potential Challenges
While the prospect of new members excites Pac-12 officials, challenges remain. Transitioning from one conference to another usually involves significant financial considerations. Memphis and Tulane would need to weigh the costs of leaving the American Athletic Conference (AAC) against the potential benefits of joining the Pac-12.
For Memphis, a move to the Pac-12 could offer enhanced visibility and recruiting advantages, but it also raises concerns about geographical fit and long-term stability. Speculation remains about whether the ACC, which has experienced instability, might come calling for schools like Memphis in the future.
“Memphis fans have been waiting for good news on the conference front for years,” wrote John Canzano, a longtime columnist for the Portland area. “The school seemed on the verge of a conference upgrade before, only to be disappointed repeatedly.”
Cautious Optimism
Despite the challenges, there’s cautious optimism surrounding the expansion efforts. The influx of new members could rejuvenate the conference’s image, particularly in basketball. Vannini notes that Gonzaga, which has established itself as a powerhouse in college basketball, could also be a consideration for future expansion.
Arguably, starting a new Pac-12 era with Gonzaga and San Diego State—both of which have strong basketball programs—could enhance the conference’s profile significantly. The combination of successful athletic programs may provide the necessary spark for the Pac-12 to establish itself as a competitive force once again in both basketball and football.
The Future of the Pac-12
Looking ahead, the landscape of college athletics remains fluid. As discussions continue among Pac-12 leaders, clarity on the conference’s future may come in the following weeks. The outcomes of these meetings will likely determine whether Memphis, Tulane, or any other schools will take the leap into the Pac-12.
In the meantime, Pac-12 officials are conducting thorough assessments to analyze the situation’s financial feasibility. Whether geographic concerns and existing rivalries will overshadow the financial benefits is still a topic of debate.
Conclusion
The Pac-12 is at a crossroads, facing the crucial task of finding ways to retain and attract talent to remain competitive in collegiate athletics. The potential addition of schools like Memphis and Tulane could mark a significant turning point for the conference, revitalizing its brand and securing its future.
As things change, it’s important for everyone involved to think about their choices carefully. They should consider how these decisions might affect the bigger picture. By being patient and planning smartly, the Pac-12 can become even stronger in the changing world of college sports.
