Official announcements from the Pac-12 Conference or the NCAA

Memphis, Tulane, USF, UTSA Stay in AAC; Pac-12 Eyes Gonzaga, Mountain West

Sep 23, 2024, 06:50 PM

The Pac-12 Conference is undergoing significant realignment efforts, focusing on adding new schools to its roster. Memphis, Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA have all decided to remain in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) despite offers from the Pac-12. This decision comes amid high AAC exit fees and concerns over the Pac-12's media rights and financial stability. With these schools staying put, the Pac-12 is now looking at other potential members, including UNLV, Utah State, Air Force, and Gonzaga. The Mountain West Conference is also making efforts to retain its current members by offering one-time payments to schools like UNLV and Air Force. Gonzaga, despite not having a football team, is in discussions to join the Pac-12 and would receive a full conference revenue share. The Pac-12 needs at least two more football programs by 2026 to maintain its FBS status. The Pac-12 has already spent $115M on exit fees for the first four Mountain West schools. Tim Pernetti, the AAC commissioner, is exploring new distribution models and expansion.