Pac-12 Conference Status: NCAA, Realignment, & NIL Updates

On April 22, 2024, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors delivered a significant blow to the Pac-12, formally stripping the two-team conference of its power conference status. This decision revoked the Pac-12’s previously held special decision-making authority within the NCAA’s complex governance structure, a stark consequence of the dramatic realignment that unfolded over the past year. The situation remains largely unresolved, even after the addition of an eighth football-playing school to bolster the conference’s roster. The Pac-12 continues to grapple with regaining the legislative privileges it once possessed, a direct result of the departure of ten institutions seeking opportunities within other prominent college athletics leagues across the country. Currently, the Pac-12 is inextricably linked to the Power Four conferences in all House settlement-related matters, stemming from its role as a defendant in the lawsuit filed in 2020.

The situation surrounding the Pac-12’s status is incredibly complex, driven by a series of strategic shifts within college athletics. The departure of established universities, seeking greater prominence and revenue streams, fundamentally altered the competitive landscape. The addition of Texas State, slated to join the conference starting in the 2026-27 season, represents a calculated attempt to meet the NCAA’s minimum requirements for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) membership. However, the conference's long-term stability remains uncertain, and its ability to attract and retain top talent is a critical factor in determining its future success. The ongoing evolution of NIL regulations and conference realignment continue to present unique challenges and opportunities for institutions navigating this dynamic environment, and the Pac-12’s journey is a compelling case study in these complexities.

Currently, the Pac-12 is inextricably linked to the Power Four conferences in all House settlement-related matters, stemming from its role as a defendant in the lawsuit filed in 2020. The situation surrounding the Pac-12’s status is incredibly complex, driven by a series of strategic shifts within college athletics. The departure of established universities, seeking greater prominence and revenue streams, fundamentally altered the competitive landscape. The addition of Texas State, slated to join the conference starting in the 2026-27 season, represents a calculated attempt to meet the NCAA’s minimum requirements for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) membership. However, the conference's long-term stability remains uncertain, and its ability to attract and retain top talent is a critical factor in determining its future success.

The logos of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC are frequently stamped at the top of public announcements released by the CSC, largely due to the leagues’ legal ties established through the House settlement. While this practice can appear to suggest a return of the ‘Power Five’ structure, it’s a misinterpretation, as Delenenger emphasizes on X. The NCAA’s initial decision to remove the Pac-12’s autonomy status remains firmly in place. The CSC responded with a revised memo on Thursday, providing crucial clarification for schools regarding booster-backed NIL collectives. This memo specifically addressed previous statements suggesting collectives would not be considered valid businesses, outlining that collectives can directly compensate student-athletes if transactions meet defined ‘valid business purpose’ thresholds. This represents a significant shift in the NCAA’s stance on NIL compensation.

Looking ahead to next year, the Pac-12 is projected to consist of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Utah State, Texas State, Oregon State, and Washington State, signifying a strategic effort to stabilize the conference’s future and maintain its competitive presence within the landscape of college athletics. The ongoing evolution of NIL regulations and conference realignment continue to present unique challenges and opportunities for institutions navigating this dynamic environment, and the Pac-12’s journey is a compelling case study in these complexities. The focus now shifts to the long-term viability of the conference and its ability to attract and retain top talent, ultimately determining its success in the years to come.