The Pac-12 conference released a statement Friday morning that could have been stated in six words.” We will survive hope, we hope. Instead, the conference sent out a nebulous statement in the aftermath of its most valuable crown jewels bolted for the Big Ten Conference.
Let’s give the Pac-12 some empathy here.
The Washington Athletic program also released a similar statement
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WHAT HAPPENED
On Thursday afternoon it was rumored that USC and UCLA were leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten starting the 2024-2025 season . Twitter verse was ablaze Thursday afternoon and early Thursday evening. Thursday night the Big Ten Conference made the two Cal school’s move to the Conference official.
WHY THE MOVE
Without going into a big, long blame the answer is money. The Pac-12 switched commissioners last year in hopes of securing a big money television deal. The reality is the conference’s move to hire George Kliavkoff as Commissioner was too little too late. Kliakoff inherited a sinking ship. USC and UCLA ‘s appetite for the main stage became more lustful each time other conferences were assured big payday because of lucrative television contracts.
Unfortunately for the rest for the conference inactivity and a possible assurance of a big payday turned into an appetite for destruction. The two schools were no doubt given an offer they could not refuse. Assurance of approximately $100 million a year in revenue or wait for a maybe sort of pending payday for the Pac-12. Well, the answer was pretty easy.
WHATS NEXT
Truth is no one really knows. There are some major pieces that could continue the carnage.
Notre Dame being number one. Will the independent Irish stay independent or join the SEC or the BIG Ten for that matter ? The Irish played football in the ACC during the Covid-19 2020 season. One could dream that the Irish join the Pac-12 . But that would be a mere dream
The reality is the remaining Pac-12 Schools must look at expansion very quickly. Oregon considers itself a major player and will not wait around for a hope and prayer. If Oregon were to bolt to another Conference, it would surely take Washington with it. As big as the Ducks might think they are it takes two to tango. As no they will not take Oregon State with them. What is needed is some fast thinking by the remaining AD’ and Presidents in the Pac-12. Before a plan can be crafted said AD’s and Presidents have some deep soul searching to do .
HERE IS A GREAT TAKE FROM THE Rich Eisen Show
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