Pac-12 eyeing expansion after UCLA, USC exit


The Pac-12 presidents and chancellors on Friday morning authorized the conference “to explore all expansion options” following the decisions of USC and UCLA to join the Big Ten in 2024, according to a statement from the Pac-12.

“The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes,” the statement said.

One source in the conference told ESPN on Friday “it’s wide open” as far as who the Pac-12 would consider inviting, but added the Big 12 and ACC are worth exploring. While there has been speculation about Oregon and Washington wanting to follow USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, there has been no official indication in the league of their intentions.

EDITOR’S PICKS

USC, UCLA approved to move to Big Ten in 2024
7hPete Thamel and Heather Dinich

Breaking down USC and UCLA’s plan to move to the Big Ten and what it means
19hESPN Staff

What CFB’s most powerful people are saying about the sport’s new world order
7hPete Thamel
“Everybody’s playing it close to the vest,” the source said.

The Big Ten presidents and chancellors voted unanimously on Thursday to add USC and UCLA to the conference, starting on Aug. 2, 2024. A second source within the Pac-12 told ESPN on Friday “every effort” is being made to secure the league’s future. The Pac-12 released a statement later Thursday saying it was “extremely surprised and disappointed” by the news of UCLA and USC leaving.

“We have a long and storied history in athletics, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that we’re confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future,” the Pac-12 said in its statement. “The Pac-12 is home to many of the world’s best universities, athletic programs and alumni, representing one of the most dynamic regions in the United States. We’ve long been known as the Conference of Champions, and we’re unwavering in our commitment to extend that title.

“We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member institutions, and we look forward to partnering with current and potential members to pioneer the future of college athletics together.”

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and more step out in style to celebrate country music’s biggest night
Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and more step out in style to celebrate country music’s biggest night
Kim Zolciak, Kroy Biermann Told by Cops to Stay Away From Each Other
Kim Zolciak, Kroy Biermann Told by Cops to Stay Away From Each Other
The joy of the celebrity look-alike contest
The joy of the celebrity look-alike contest
Private Investigators Approaching TikTokers About Celebrities Connected to Diddy
Private Investigators Approaching TikTokers About Celebrities Connected to Diddy
Dawsons Creek Had a Perfect Spin-Off, But No One Watched It
Dawsons Creek Had a Perfect Spin-Off, But No One Watched It
'Bad Sisters' Exclusive Clip – Wednesday November 20th Episode
'Bad Sisters' Exclusive Clip – Wednesday November 20th Episode
Tokyo International Film Festival 2024: Daihachi Yoshida on Prize-Winning “Teki Cometh” | Festivals & Awards
Tokyo International Film Festival 2024: Daihachi Yoshida on Prize-Winning “Teki Cometh” | Festivals & Awards
Denzel Washington Says Is Playing Robert McCall in Two New Sequels to ‘The Equalizer’
Denzel Washington Says Is Playing Robert McCall in Two New Sequels to ‘The Equalizer’
Zayn Reunites With One Direction at Liam Payne’s Painful Funeral
Zayn Reunites With One Direction at Liam Payne’s Painful Funeral
There is money being made in live music – give it back out to the people
There is money being made in live music – give it back out to the people
Diddy Accused of Witness Tampering, Intimation from Jail
Diddy Accused of Witness Tampering, Intimation from Jail
Lambrini Girls share frenetic new single ‘Love’ and announce UK album launch in-store shows
Lambrini Girls share frenetic new single ‘Love’ and announce UK album launch in-store shows
Draymond fires back at ‘janky’ Jenkins, Edey over foul
Draymond fires back at ‘janky’ Jenkins, Edey over foul
Skenes’ rookie award traps Pirates in uncomfortable situation
Skenes’ rookie award traps Pirates in uncomfortable situation
Jones: McCarthy hasn’t lost Cowboys’ locker room
Jones: McCarthy hasn’t lost Cowboys’ locker room
49ers’ Purdy day-to-day with shoulder soreness
49ers’ Purdy day-to-day with shoulder soreness
Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 8 Review: Torres’ Guilt & Reid’s Mysterious Agenda Result in Tense Midseason Finale!
Chicago PD Season 12 Episode 8 Review: Torres’ Guilt & Reid’s Mysterious Agenda Result in Tense Midseason Finale!
The Untold Story’ Trailer Unearths the Dark Crimes Behind the Scenes
The Untold Story’ Trailer Unearths the Dark Crimes Behind the Scenes
Is the ‘Friday Night Lights’ Reboot Necessary?
Is the ‘Friday Night Lights’ Reboot Necessary?
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 7 Round Table: Did Carisi Go Too Far?
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 7 Round Table: Did Carisi Go Too Far?
Miley Cyrus For Harper’s Bazaar, Louis Vuitton Taps Callum Turner, & More!
Miley Cyrus For Harper’s Bazaar, Louis Vuitton Taps Callum Turner, & More!
Meredith Marks Loves Caviar, Jewelry, & Being On Time!
Meredith Marks Loves Caviar, Jewelry, & Being On Time!
Charli XCX Takes Over Times Square With H&M
Charli XCX Takes Over Times Square With H&M
What Brought Marc Jacobs and Law Roach to SNL?
What Brought Marc Jacobs and Law Roach to SNL?