Following the USC and UCLA’s decision to join the Big Ten in 2024, the Pac-12 president and vice-chancellor authorized the conference on Friday morning to “find all options for expansion,” according to a Pac-12 statement.
“The university’s 10 presidents and chancellors are committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes,” the statement said.
A source at the conference told ESPN on Friday that “it is wide open” until the Pac-12 considers an invitation, but the Big 12 and ACC have been added. While speculation is rife that Oregon and Washington want to include the USC and UCLA in the Big Ten, there have been no official indications of their intentions in the league.
“Everyone is playing near that vest,” the source said.
The Big Ten president and chancellor voted unanimously on Thursday to add USC and UCLA to the convention, which begins Aug. 2, 2024. Another source in Pac-12 told ESPN on Friday that “every effort is being made” to secure the league. The future. Pac-12 issued a statement later Thursday saying it was “extremely shocked and disappointed” by the news of UCLA and USC’s departure.
“We have a long and long history of leadership in supporting athletics, academics and student-athletes, which we believe will continue to grow and grow in the future,” Pac-12 said in a statement. “Pac-12 is home to many of the best universities in the world, athletic programs and alumni, representing one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. We have long been known as the Conference of Champions, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to expand that title.
“We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member organizations, and we look forward to partnering with current and potential members to advance the future of college athletics together.”