The Future of the PAC-12 Conference: A Conference in Decline

The future of the PAC-12 conference is looking bleak, with most of its schools leaving to join other conferences. As the conference shrinks, it raises questions about its relevance and future. This article delves into the current state of the PAC-12 and explores potential outcomes for its remaining schools.

The Decline of the PAC-12

The conference is undergoing a profound transformation. Schools such as Washington State (WSU) and Oregon State (OSU) have already announced their departure, joining other prestigious conferences. While some may decry the PAC-12 as dead, it's crucial to understand the economic and logistical challenges facing the conference.

The Remaining Schools in the PAC-12

Four schools remain in the PAC-12:

California (Cal) Stanford Oregon State (OSU) Washington State (WSU)

The future of these schools hinges on their strategic decisions. However, given the current economic landscape and the dominance of larger conferences like the Big Ten and Big 12, it's challenging to envision a viable future for the PAC-12 as a unified conference.

Strategic Options for Remaining Schools

The remaining schools in the PAC-12 face difficult choices. Two primary options present themselves:

Option 1: Joining Other Conferences

Big Ten Conference:

The Big Ten is home to 18 schools and expanding would likely be unrealistic due to logistical and budgetary constraints. However, the allure of increased exposure, improved facilities, and revenue-sharing remains. For institutions like Cal and Stanford, joining the Big Ten could provide significant benefits, including increased TV revenue and exposure.

Option 2: Independence

Independence:

Cal and Stanford have the option to remain independent, scheduling games against teams from various conferences. This strategy has been successful for universities like BYU and Notre Dame, offering flexibility and control over their own schedules. While this option provides financial and scheduling independence, it also means lower television revenue and potentially less national attention.

Challenges for Washington State and Oregon State

Washington State (WSU) and Oregon State (OSU) face unique challenges. These schools rely less on football for revenue and have smaller fan bases compared to the larger institutions. Their options are more limited:

Mountain West Conference

Mountain West:

If WSU and OSU choose to join the Mountain West, they would encounter significant financial and image challenges. The Mountain West offers smaller budgets and limited exposure, possibly resulting in a pay cut for these schools. Joining the Mountain West would likely mean sacrificing financial stability in the short term but potentially offering a path for long-term growth.

Conclusion

2023 marks the final year of the current PAC-12 configuration. While some institutions like Oregon and Utah are likely to make a run at the College Football Playoff (CFP), the future of the PAC-12 remains uncertain.

With the majority of the conference's lucrative programs moving to other conferences, the remaining schools must explore alternative strategies to ensure their football programs remain viable and competitive. The coming years will be crucial in determining the fate of this once-renowned conference.