what will the pac 12 look like in 2026

2 min read 14-03-2025

The Pac-12 Conference, a cornerstone of college athletics, faces a period of significant uncertainty. The departures of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten in 2024 have shaken the foundation of the conference, leaving many wondering what the future holds. By 2026, the landscape will be dramatically different. This article explores potential scenarios for the Pac-12 in 2026, examining membership, media deals, and the conference's overall standing in the world of college sports.

The Shifting Sands of Conference Membership

The most pressing question is: who will remain, and who will join? In 2026, the core members will likely be a subset of the current schools. Schools like Oregon, Washington, Stanford, California, Oregon State, Washington State, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and potentially others, will form the base. However, predicting the exact composition is difficult.

Potential Scenarios:

Pac-12 Consolidation: The conference could consolidate, focusing on a stable group of 8-10 schools with strong geographic proximity and historical ties. This would prioritize stability over expansion.
Strategic Expansion: The Pac-12 might attempt to attract new members. Mountain West Conference schools like San Diego State, Boise State, and others could be targets. However, successfully attracting high-profile programs remains challenging.
Further Departures: The possibility of further defections cannot be ruled out. If other lucrative opportunities arise, additional schools might choose to leave.

The Fight for a Media Rights Deal

Securing a favorable media rights deal is crucial for the Pac-12's survival. The loss of USC and UCLA significantly diminished the conference's value. Negotiating a new contract will be a critical test of the conference's leadership.

Key Factors:

Negotiating Power: The remaining member schools will have less negotiating power compared to the pre-2024 era. This could result in a less lucrative deal.
Alternative Platforms: The conference might need to explore partnerships with streaming services or other non-traditional media outlets to secure revenue.
Long-Term Vision: A successful deal will require a long-term vision and a strategy to rebuild value over time.

The Pac-12's Competitive Landscape in 2026

Regardless of membership changes and media deals, the Pac-12 will face stiff competition. The Big Ten's expansion has significantly altered the college football landscape. The SEC remains a powerhouse, leaving the Pac-12 to fight for its place among the elite conferences.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Recruiting: Attracting top recruits will be more challenging, especially if the conference's media deal is less lucrative.
National Exposure: The Pac-12 needs to develop strategies to increase national exposure and maintain its relevance in college football.
Innovation: The conference must embrace innovation in areas such as scheduling, branding, and fan engagement to remain competitive.

Conclusion: A Conference in Transition

The Pac-12 in 2026 will likely be a significantly smaller and less powerful conference than it is today. The future depends on the conference’s ability to adapt and rebuild. Success will require strategic decision-making in areas such as membership, media rights, and competitive strategy. While the future is uncertain, the Pac-12 still has a rich history and talented institutions. The next few years will determine whether it can navigate the current storm and secure a lasting place in the world of college athletics.