Tue Sep 24 03:59:00 UTC 2024: ## Pac-12 Expansion Sees Gains and Setbacks: Utah State Joins, UNLV Remains Uncommitted
PULLMAN, WA – The Pac-12’s expansion efforts saw a mix of success and setbacks this week. While the conference secured the commitment of Utah State, bringing its total membership to seven, invitations to Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, and USF were declined.
The conference also entered discussions with Gonzaga, but the basketball powerhouse ultimately opted to remain in the West Coast Conference. Gonzaga’s athletic director, Chris Standiford, called a report suggesting their move to the Pac-12 “not accurate reporting.”
The Pac-12 now awaits a decision from UNLV, which is currently considering whether to stay in the Mountain West or join the Pac-12. UNLV’s decision is particularly important as it could influence the future of Nevada, both schools being overseen by the Nevada System of Higher Education.
The Pac-12’s expansion is already coming with a significant cost, with the conference on the hook for roughly $145 million in exit fees for the new members, set to join in 2026. While the Pac-12 has a “war chest” of $250 million, the conference’s annual payouts, estimated at around $10 million, are being debated for their accuracy.
The Mountain West, meanwhile, is also vying to maintain its own membership after losing Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Colorado State to the Pac-12. Commissioner Gloria Nevarez is pushing for UNLV to stay in the conference, hoping to keep the Mountain West together.
The Pac-12’s expansion remains ongoing with the fate of UNLV and the future of Gonzaga’s potential addition still uncertain.
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