The Pac-12 is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. As college athletics continue to shift, the conference is taking bold steps to secure its future.
With all eight remaining members officially signing their Grant of Rights, the foundation is now set for a potentially game-changing media deal that could redefine the league’s presence in the NCAA landscape.
Pac-12 Reportedly Nearing New Media Deal Amid Ongoing Realignment
The Pac-12 has signed Grant of Rights agreements with eight current and future members. Among them, Oregon State and Washington State are the only remaining original schools. The other five—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State—are recent additions from the Mountain West Conference. The eighth member is Gonzaga.
That brings the total to eight schools. But the problem is that only seven of them have football programs. Gonzaga does not compete in football. According to NCAA rules, a conference needs at least eight football-playing schools to maintain FBS status. This means the Pac-12 still needs one more football school to meet that requirement by July 1, 2026.
The conference is actively exploring potential expansion targets such as Memphis, Texas State, and UNLV to meet this need. While these schools are reportedly under consideration, there is no official confirmation on which might join the Pac-12, indicating that discussions are ongoing.
According to Ross Dellenger, all eight members of the new Pac-12 have signed their Grant of Rights and membership agreements, a conference spokesperson tells Yahoo Sports. It signals that the league is finalizing a new media rights package that is expected in the coming days.
All eight members of the new Pac-12 have signed their Grant of Rights and membership agreements, a conference spokesperson tells @YahooSports.
It is a signal that the league is finalizing a new media rights package that is expected in the coming days.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 9, 2025
He also mentioned that the new media deal would allow the league to send formal invitations to potential expansion targets. It is crucial to secure FBS status and stabilize the future of the Pac-12.
KEEP READING: 2025 Pac-12 Football Schedule Released: Will Oregon State or Washington State Finish on Top?
Meanwhile, some internal problems have reportedly arisen that need to be resolved first to ensure the expansion goes smoothly. John Canzano reported last week that the conference might delay any Pac-12 expansion until it resolves issues with the Mountain West. These concerns mainly involve exit fees and the risk of player poaching.
However, Dellenger did not provide any information regarding those internal problems. That might be true, but all signs now point to a Pac-12 that is ready to rebuild its foundation and remain relevant in the ever-changing world of college sports.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and college baseball!
