AP Sports Story of the Year: Realignment, stunning demise of Pac-12 usher in super conference era
AP Sports Story of the Year: Realignment, stunning demise of Pac-12 usher in super conference era
FILE - The field at Sun Devil Stadium bears a Pac-12 logo during an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State in Tempe, Ariz., Aug. 29, 2019. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
FILE - Pac-12 Conference commissioner George Kliavkoff speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day Friday, July 29, 2022, in Los Angeles. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
FILE - Big Ten commissioner James Delany speaks at a news conference to announce the University of Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten NCAA athletic conference in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - The Big Ten logo is displayed on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio in Iowa City, Iowa., Aug. 31, 2019. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
FILE - The Maryland football team huddles in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College in College Park, Md., Nov. 23, 2013. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith, left, and Washington State head coach Jake Dickert greet each other after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Dejected Oregon State fans during an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - The logo for the Big 12 Conference has been applied to the field for an NCAA college football game between Sam Houston State and BYU on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Provo, Utah. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - Washington State head coach Jake Dickert walks on the field during a break in play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith answers questions at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - Washington State Jake Dickert speaks at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - University of Utah President Taylor Randall, left, and Director of Athletics Mark Harlan, laugh during a news conference addressing the move from the Pac-12 Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - Big Ten Commissioner James Delany, left, speaks with Maryland football coach Randy Edsall after a news conference that was held to announce Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten, in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Oregon fans cheer as the team arrives for the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. ver a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE - UCLA football players greet fans as they leave the field after a 42-32 win over Utah in an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
FILE - An Oregon State fan, front, and a Washington State fan hold “Pac-2" signs, representing the two schools that will remain in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes looks at the renovated side of Reser Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. The Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors, regardless of geography. The stunning demolition, set in motion a year earlier, was accelerated when the Pac-12 couldn’t secure a media rights deal to match its competitors.(AP Photo/Tim Booth)
FILE - Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14), left, takes the snap from Auburn center Reese Dismukes (50) as the Auburn offense operates against Missouri on the SEC logo during the first half of Auburn’s 59-42 win over Missouri in the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jason Getz, File)
FILE - SMU cornerback Justin Guy-Robinson (29), place kicker Kevin Miles (93) and safety Brice Madison (34) celebrate with fans after a 37-20 victory over Tulane in an NCAA football game at Ford Stadium in Dallas, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
FILE - SMU President R. Gerald Turner; board chair David Miller; and Brad E. Cheves, vice president for development and external affairs, smile after the announcement of SMU’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference for NCAA college football, during a news conference Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
FILE - The field at Sun Devil Stadium bears a Pac-12 logo during an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State in Tempe, Ariz., Aug. 29, 2019. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
FILE - The field at Sun Devil Stadium bears a Pac-12 logo during an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State in Tempe, Ariz., Aug. 29, 2019. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)
FILE - Pac-12 Conference commissioner George Kliavkoff speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day Friday, July 29, 2022, in Los Angeles. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
FILE - Pac-12 Conference commissioner George Kliavkoff speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day Friday, July 29, 2022, in Los Angeles. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
FILE - Big Ten commissioner James Delany speaks at a news conference to announce the University of Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten NCAA athletic conference in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Big Ten commissioner James Delany speaks at a news conference to announce the University of Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten NCAA athletic conference in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - The Big Ten logo is displayed on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio in Iowa City, Iowa., Aug. 31, 2019. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - The Big Ten logo is displayed on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio in Iowa City, Iowa., Aug. 31, 2019. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
FILE - Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
FILE - The Maryland football team huddles in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College in College Park, Md., Nov. 23, 2013. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - The Maryland football team huddles in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College in College Park, Md., Nov. 23, 2013. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are going to the Big 12. Stanford and California will join the Atlantic Coast Conference. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith, left, and Washington State head coach Jake Dickert greet each other after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith, left, and Washington State head coach Jake Dickert greet each other after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Dejected Oregon State fans during an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - Dejected Oregon State fans during an NCAA college football game against TCU, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy.(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - The logo for the Big 12 Conference has been applied to the field for an NCAA college football game between Sam Houston State and BYU on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Provo, Utah. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - The logo for the Big 12 Conference has been applied to the field for an NCAA college football game between Sam Houston State and BYU on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Provo, Utah. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - Washington State head coach Jake Dickert walks on the field during a break in play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Washington State head coach Jake Dickert walks on the field during a break in play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith answers questions at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith answers questions at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - Washington State Jake Dickert speaks at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - Washington State Jake Dickert speaks at the NCAA college football Pac-12 media day. Friday, July 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
FILE - University of Utah President Taylor Randall, left, and Director of Athletics Mark Harlan, laugh during a news conference addressing the move from the Pac-12 Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - University of Utah President Taylor Randall, left, and Director of Athletics Mark Harlan, laugh during a news conference addressing the move from the Pac-12 Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
FILE - Big Ten Commissioner James Delany, left, speaks with Maryland football coach Randy Edsall after a news conference that was held to announce Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten, in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Big Ten Commissioner James Delany, left, speaks with Maryland football coach Randy Edsall after a news conference that was held to announce Maryland’s decision to move to the Big Ten, in College Park, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Oregon fans cheer as the team arrives for the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. ver a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE - Oregon fans cheer as the team arrives for the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. ver a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
FILE - UCLA football players greet fans as they leave the field after a 42-32 win over Utah in an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
FILE - UCLA football players greet fans as they leave the field after a 42-32 win over Utah in an NCAA college football game in Pasadena, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Over a span of six weeks this past summer, the Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors. Oregon and Washington are going to the Big Ten along with Southern California and UCLA. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
FILE - An Oregon State fan, front, and a Washington State fan hold “Pac-2" signs, representing the two schools that will remain in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
FILE - An Oregon State fan, front, and a Washington State fan hold “Pac-2" signs, representing the two schools that will remain in the Pac-12 after the 2023-2024 academic year after the other schools in the conference announced plans to leave, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes looks at the renovated side of Reser Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. The Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors, regardless of geography. The stunning demolition, set in motion a year earlier, was accelerated when the Pac-12 couldn’t secure a media rights deal to match its competitors.(AP Photo/Tim Booth)
Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes looks at the renovated side of Reser Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. The Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors, regardless of geography. The stunning demolition, set in motion a year earlier, was accelerated when the Pac-12 couldn’t secure a media rights deal to match its competitors.(AP Photo/Tim Booth)
FILE - Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14), left, takes the snap from Auburn center Reese Dismukes (50) as the Auburn offense operates against Missouri on the SEC logo during the first half of Auburn’s 59-42 win over Missouri in the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jason Getz, File)
FILE - Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14), left, takes the snap from Auburn center Reese Dismukes (50) as the Auburn offense operates against Missouri on the SEC logo during the first half of Auburn’s 59-42 win over Missouri in the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Atlanta, Ga. The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million.(AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jason Getz, File)
FILE - SMU cornerback Justin Guy-Robinson (29), place kicker Kevin Miles (93) and safety Brice Madison (34) celebrate with fans after a 37-20 victory over Tulane in an NCAA football game at Ford Stadium in Dallas, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
FILE - SMU cornerback Justin Guy-Robinson (29), place kicker Kevin Miles (93) and safety Brice Madison (34) celebrate with fans after a 37-20 victory over Tulane in an NCAA football game at Ford Stadium in Dallas, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas.(Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
FILE - SMU President R. Gerald Turner; board chair David Miller; and Brad E. Cheves, vice president for development and external affairs, smile after the announcement of SMU’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference for NCAA college football, during a news conference Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
FILE - SMU President R. Gerald Turner; board chair David Miller; and Brad E. Cheves, vice president for development and external affairs, smile after the announcement of SMU’s move to the Atlantic Coast Conference for NCAA college football, during a news conference Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News via AP, File)
The commissioners from three of the remaining power conferences in college sports appeared together in a crowded convention center ballroom and were asked to ponder what was wrought by three tumultuous years of realignment that culminated in the destruction of a 108-year-old institution.
“Obviously, not happy about the ultimate outcome to the Pac-12, but I’m in this position to give us the best options and future possible and we took advantage of the moment.” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark explained during the session in Las Vegas.
That moment came over a span of six weeks this past summer. The Pac-12 was ripped apart and redistributed by its competitors, regardless of geography. The stunning demolition, set in motion a year earlier, was accelerated when the Pac-12 couldn’t secure a media rights deal to match its competitors.
The redrawing of the college sports map and demise of the Pac-12, a conference that claims the most NCAA championships and a legacy that includes the likes of Jackie Robinson, Bill Walton, Aaron Rodgers, Katie Ledecky, Tiger Woods and Cheryl Miller, made conference realignment The Associated Press Sports Story of the Year.
All of the moves by 2023 — and it was hard to keep count — will take effect in 2024, which will go down as one of the most transformative in the history of college athletics.
Oregon and Washington pledged to join the Big Ten, where Southern California and UCLA had already committed. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah fled for the Big 12. Stanford and California found a life line in the Atlantic Coast Conference, a league with all its football-playing members currently in the Eastern time zone.
The four new West Coast Big Ten schools will be no closer than 1,500 miles from any of their new conference rivals.
Along with Texas and Oklahoma relocating from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference, all will join their new leagues before the start of next college football season.
“These are seismic moves,” former Fox Sports executive Bob Thompson said.
The end of the Pac-12 ushered in the super conference era and laid bare the bottom line of college sports.
“I don’t know what the institutions that are involved will say was the motivation, but it was money in every case,” former Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said.
Next year, the Big Ten will have 18 schools, the Big 12 and SEC 16 each and the ACC 17 football-playing members, including SMU in Dallas. The Pac-12 is likely to survive with Oregon State and Washington State rebuilding the conference, but it will no longer reside among college sports’ super wealthy.
The Power Five is now a Power Four, but within that there is a Big Two. The Big Ten and SEC now have media rights deals that will allow them to provide yearly payouts to their members of upwards of $70 million. The ACC and Big 12 are hoping to stay within $30 million per year per school of those stratospheric numbers.
This all comes as the prospect of major college football players being directly paid by schools becomes more realistic. Just two weeks ago, NCAA President Charlie Baker proposed a plan to do exactly that.
“How much of the realignment moves are to position these universities for better success in the NIL world?” Thompson asked.
The frantic culmination of this round of realignment came from late July to early September, but the first domino was tipped in the summer of 2021 when it was revealed that Texas and Oklahoma were bolting the Big 12 for the SEC. That, said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, cleared the decks for schools eager to “take advantage of free agency.”
When the best the Pac-12 could do was a partnership with Apple that had a smaller annual guarantee than those of the ACC and Big 12, it sent schools shopping for a better deal.
“I don’t know that the four members that came to the Big 12 were moving toward something as much as they were trying to ensure that they didn’t go down with the ship, relative to the Pac-12,” Bowlsby said.
Conference realignment has been a part of college sports for about as long as games have been game on campus, primarily driven by schools and leagues jockeying for prestige, better competition and more robust revenue streams.
The most recent round of realignment felt more predatory. Survival for the fittest.
“In short, I think it was unnecessary,” Bowlsby said. “I don’t I don’t think the college athletics ecosystem is better with the absence of the Pac-12.”
The top of college sports should be heading into a few years of relative peace when it comes to realignment. Each of the remaining power conferences is locked into a media rights deal through at least the 2029-30 school year.
Thompson said he believes the future of major college football could be a super league similar to what has been proposed in European soccer.
“So, let’s say it’s the top 40 brands or the top whatever brands in football only, they go off and they do the super league and everything else stays at the conference level,” Thompson said. “People may decide that maybe that regionality we had a while ago wasn’t a bad thing for all the other sports.”
A new competitive reality is also coming to college football and it could be harsh for some schools.
“I think there are some in the larger conferences that will clearly be marginalized, and the money won’t be worth it because they’ll there’ll be traditional losers on a regular basis,” Bowlsby said. “And I think there will institutions that have been traditional winners that will be turn into institutions that are playing in the middle of the pack most of the time, that’s going to be a big adjustment.”
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