Cal releases statement on Arizona, ASU, Utah looking to Big 12, Oregon & Washington to B1G

The Pac-12 Conference is dead. Who knows where Cal ends up.

UPDATE: Cal finally released a statement:

All the dominoes have fallen.

Photo by Kasia on Unsplash

Oregon and Washington have officially joined the Big Ten. They will receive very reduced shares from the conference that will grow incrementally over time, according to Matt Fortuna:

Source: Oregon's and Washington's annual cut of the Big Ten's revenue distribution is expected to start at $30M and grow by $1M each year through the length of the current deal. They will receive full shares upon the next TV deal, in 2030-31. They can borrow off future earnings.

Here’s Oregon’s announcement:

“Accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference is a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of our university and athletics department,” said [Oregon Athletic director] Rob Mullens. “The stability and exposure of joining the Big Ten is of great benefit to the University of Oregon, and we are grateful to the Big Ten presidents and chancellors for accepting our application to join the conference. We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this conference, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport.”

Here’s Washington’s announcement:

"The Big Ten is a thriving conference with strong athletic and academic traditions, and we are excited and confident about competing at the highest level on a national stage," [Washington president Ana Mari] Cauce said. "My top priority must be to do what is best for our student-athletes and our University, and this move will help ensure a strong future for our athletics program."

The UW is committed to preserving the rich tradition of the Apple Cup rivalry with Washington State University in all sports, including football.

Arizona is nearly locked into the Big 12. Brett McMurphy reports that Arizona State and Utah will be joining them. All three schools have applied for membership for the Big 12 and the conference will discuss their membership tonight.

There are four programs left in the Pac-12 for the 2024 season.

If the Pac-12 ends up becoming the Pac-4 with Cal, Stanford, Oregon State and Washington State and doesn’t find new members before 2024, the conference will essentially cease to exist. A merger with the Mountain West Conference would be ideal for the Pac-12, but with exit fees in place that might not work. More from Kyle Bonagura:

It’s highly unlikely the Pac-12 (Pacific Coast Conference?) will be able to add from the MWC. MWC schools would need to pay a $33-34 million buyout to leave after this season and the math wouldn’t make sense with the diminished $ distribution in a new-look Pac.

Statements have been released by Washington State:

And Stanford:

And a note has been heard from Oregon State.

Just spoke to Oregon State AD Scott Barnes. "I'm furious. The best interest of the student athlete hasn't been served."

Stay tuned for more fun news in the coming days Cal fans.