As the Pac-12 continues to grapple with the changing landscape of college athletics, Washington State and Oregon State are stepping up to preserve the legacy of the conference. In an official announcement made on Thursday, the Pac-12 confirmed its first wave of new additions: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. These institutions will join the conference for the 2026-27 competition year, signaling the start of a significant rebuilding process.
This move will bring the Pac-12 back to six schools, but there’s still work to be done. According to NCAA regulations, a conference must have at least eight schools by the summer of 2026 to retain its official standing. While Washington State and Oregon State are committed to meeting that requirement, they are also being careful not to over-expand. A conference that grows too large could dilute media revenue, as more schools would mean more divisions of the revenue pie. This consideration is critical as the conference negotiates new media deals, which will heavily influence the future financial health of the Pac-12.
However, the two schools are also leaving room for a potential return of former Pac-12 members. Washington State and Oregon State believe that schools like Stanford and Cal, now members of the ACC, may reconsider their position due to the uncertainty surrounding the Atlantic Coast Conference’s future. By keeping some spots available, they are allowing for the possibility of a West Coast-centric reunion, which could restore the Pac-12 to its former glory.
For now, the focus remains on strategic growth, a careful balance between expansion and the preservation of the conference’s rich tradition. With the addition of these four new schools, the Pac-12’s future seems more promising, but the path ahead remains a delicate balancing act.
