Mon Sep 23 21:05:54 UTC 2024: ## Pac-12 Expansion Chaos: Utah State Joins, MWC in Limbo

The Pac-12’s expansion efforts have been met with mixed results, leaving the conference and its potential rival, the Mountain West, in a state of flux. While Utah State has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 in 2026, the Mountain West remains on shaky ground.

Despite signing grants-of-rights from seven of its current member institutions, the MWC requires at least eight schools to be recognized as an FBS conference. Without these signatures, the conference could face dissolution, and even the signed grants-of-rights wouldn’t be binding.

The chaos surrounding both conferences stems from the lack of a television deal for either league. The Pac-12, despite its expansion plans, has yet to secure a new contract for its seven current members, who won’t play together until 2026. Meanwhile, the Mountain West’s current deal expires in 20 months.

The Pac-12’s ambitious attempt to lure schools from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) was met with resistance. Despite offering a media rights deal worth $10 to $15 million per year, the AAC schools, namely Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, and USF, remained committed to their conference. The AAC cited stability, a strong television contract, and a commitment to student-athlete welfare as reasons for staying.

The AAC’s refusal to budge is seen as a major victory for the conference, which has consistently been a target for expansion by other leagues. This decision is a testament to the AAC’s strength and its ability to retain its most valuable assets.

The Pac-12 now finds itself with a new member in Utah State and a future that remains uncertain. The conference’s ability to secure a lucrative TV deal and attract other schools is crucial to its survival, especially considering the recent departure of its four best programs to the Pac-12.

The Mountain West is facing an even more precarious situation, teetering on the brink of dissolution. The conference’s future hinges on attracting at least one more school and securing a television contract before its current deal expires in 20 months.

Read More