Full Breakdown
Pac-12 Reborn: Seven New Members Join Historic West Coast Conference
7/2/2026, 6:39:09 AM
The Official Launch
On July 1, 2026 the Pac-12 officially relaunched with nine full-time members: legacy schools Oregon State and Washington State plus seven newcomers—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (non-football), San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State. The first Pac-12 contests began in mid-August, with Colorado State soccer, and the football season opened on September 5 (Colorado State vs. Wyoming) followed by the Pac-12 opener on October 3 versus Oregon State.
Background: Collapse and Rebuild
In 2024 ten of the conference’s twelve members left for the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC, leaving only Oregon State and Washington State. Commissioner Teresa Gould, appointed March 1, 2024, led a two-year drive that secured former Mountain West schools and Texas State, restoring the league.
Timeline
Mar 1 2024 – Gould becomes commissioner.
Sep 12 2024 – Invitations to Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State (later Utah State).
Late 2024 – Gonzaga and Texas State accept.
Jul 1 2026 – Conference relaunch with new media deals (CBS, USA, The CW) and activation of Pac-12 Enterprises.
Key Figures
Commissioner Teresa Gould (through 2030-31) led the rebuild. Colorado State AD John Weber highlighted doubled media payouts. San Diego State AD John David Wicker called it a defining moment. Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey stressed the “what’s next” mindset. Washington State AD Jon Haarlow praised stability.
Numbers & Impact
The Pac-12 now fields nine full members and twelve Olympic-sport affiliates. CBS, USA Network and The CW will carry all football games and the championship on CBS. Colorado State expects its media revenue to double; Gonzaga projects about $8 million annually, far above its WCC earnings. Boise State is a +154 favorite to win the 2026 football title, with other schools ranging from +360 (San Diego State) to +4000 (Colorado State). Colorado State volleyball ranked eighth nationally for attendance in 2025 and the Day of Giving raised $1.6 million.
Official Statements
Gould said the league is “turning the page” and rebuilding its “DNA of excellence.” Weber noted the move will double Colorado State’s media payouts and raise its profile. Wicker called the entry “the next great era of Aztec Athletics.” Dickey described it as “closing one chapter and starting a new one,” while Haarlow praised the stability and shared mission among members.
Criticism & Concerns
Colorado State fans worry about preserving rivalries such as the annual Wyoming game, now non-conference. The Pac-12’s loss of Power-Five status leaves the exact financial upside unclear, as media-rights figures remain undisclosed. Analysts note the reduced nine-member footprint may limit bargaining power versus larger leagues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the full-member count: some list eight football-playing schools, others include non-football Gonzaga for nine. Precise media-rights payouts per school are not public, with estimates ranging from modest increases to $8 million for Gonzaga.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today is a historic day for Colorado State, not just in athletics, but the whole university,” — John Weber, Director of Athletics, Colorado State
- “Excited for the Pac-12,” — Spencer Danielson, Head Coach, Boise State football
- “Entry into the Pac-12 ushers in the next great era of Aztec Athletics,” — John David Wicker, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, San Diego State
- “When you go through something that difficult and that unprecedented, there are definitely moments where you kind of replay everything in your head and try to figure out how did we possibly get to this point?” — Teresa Gould, Pac-12 Commissioner
- “We’re doing it with institutions that add value back to the league because at the end of the day in this rev-share era, every single dollar counts,” — John Weber, Colorado State
What’s Next
Colorado State’s Pac-12 debut begins September 24 (volleyball vs. San Diego State). San Diego State’s first home conference events start October 1 (women’s soccer vs. Boise State). The Pac-12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will return to Las Vegas’s MGM Grand Garden Arena in March 2027. Ongoing talks will finalize revenue-share formulas and explore future expansion.
