Arizona is reportedly considering a move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, following Colorado’s decision to leave, and the Wildcats are exploring new opportunities for better prospects and potential benefits in the greener pastures of the Big 12 conference.
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Is Arizona Leaving The Pac 12?
Arizona is reportedly engaged in significant discussions about parting ways with the Pac-12 and embracing the Big 12 conference. Sources indicate that the Wildcats are leaning heavily towards the move, after years of being part of the Pac-12 since 1978.
The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees both Arizona and Arizona State, recently met to discuss “possible legal advice and discussion regarding university athletics,” likely regarding conference affiliation. While no formal decision was made, Friday’s Pac-12 call is seen as a last-ditch effort to retain the league’s unity.
There is a prevailing sentiment within both athletic departments that a split between Arizona and Arizona State is not desired nor likely. Power brokers at both schools want to maintain the unique UA-ASU rivalry and partnership. The question now is whether the Big 12 will remain at 14 members or expand to 16 by adding Utah as well.
Reports suggest that Big 12 executives have already approved Arizona as their 14th member, pending approval from the Board of Regents. The potential departure of the Wildcats from the Pac-12 would significantly impact the league’s future. Last week, Colorado left for the Big 12, while the Pac-12’s future media rights deal with Apple received a lukewarm response.
The Big 12 has been actively pursuing expansion, with Arizona State and Utah considered as potential additions. If the Pac-12 experiences more departures from its Southern bloc, it could trigger another round of realignment. The Big Ten is reportedly eyeing the addition of Oregon and Washington to its league.
What Happened to Arizona Board of Regents?
The landscape of college sports is in upheaval as the Big Ten and the Big 12 are making moves that could potentially spell trouble for the Pac-12. Reports reveal that Arizona is engaged in serious discussions to join the Big 12, according to a reliable source with direct knowledge of the matter. Meanwhile, the Big Ten is also in talks with Oregon and Washington, as disclosed by two other insiders familiar with those conversations.
While no official announcements have been made by the schools or conferences involved, the news certainly raises concerns about the future of the Pac-12.
The situation has prompted special meetings by the boards of regents for Arizona’s major universities, as well as the University of Washington. These gatherings have fueled speculation that more Pac-12 schools may follow suit and leave the conference.
In the midst of this, Arizona State is reportedly considering a jump to the Big 12 as well, although they might not be as far along in the process as Arizona. This could potentially influence Arizona’s final decision, as they would prefer to align themselves with their Tempe rivals.
The Arizona Board of Regents convened a closed executive session to explore possible legal advice and discuss matters concerning university athletics. The developments are being closely monitored, and the future of the Pac-12 remains uncertain.
Why Are Schools Leaving The Pac-12?
The Pac-12 has been facing turbulence since USC and UCLA decided to leave, leaving the conference in a precarious position. While the Pac-12 has been striving to secure a new media rights deal for quite some time, the Big 12 has taken a more aggressive approach by extending its media rights deals with ESPN and Fox well into the future.
Despite the efforts, last week, the Pac-12’s presidents and chancellors were left in the dark about the financial specifics of the proposed media rights deal, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. This uncertainty led Colorado to make a bold move and join the Big 12, seeking stability and security.
Finally, on Tuesday, the Pac-12’s leaders were presented with the details of the media rights deal, and it involved the streaming giant Apple as the primary rights holder, with potential sub-licensing opportunities to renowned television entities like ESPN and Fox.
In the wake of Colorado’s departure, the school emphasized the advantages of the Big 12’s TV deal, which promises better visibility and broader audience reach, along with a more substantial revenue share compared to what the Pac-12 offered.
The ball is now in the Pac-12’s court, with the deal from Apple still up for consideration. The conference’s presidents are expected to convene on Friday to make crucial decisions about the future of the Pac-12.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education