Introduction

In a significant turn of events for collegiate sports, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould landed at Los Angeles International Airport late Wednesday afternoon, brimming with excitement following an intense series of days. As the future of the conference remained uncertain, Gould had been tirelessly working to secure an excellent trajectory for the league’s sole remaining teams – Oregon State and Washington State.

A Landmark Decision

Upon arriving at baggage claim, Gould received an exhilarating email: the Pac-12 board had unanimously approved the official membership applications submitted for the conference from Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State. This landmark decision not only breathes new life into the Pac-12 but offers a robust structure for its future.

Gould's Enthusiasm

Gould, a seasoned veteran of collegiate sports for over 35 years, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. “We have a real opportunity to write a new story for the future and the new Pac-12,” she told ESPN. The proposed expansion had been in the works for weeks, but decisive momentum surged only recently as all parties felt confident they could progress.

Restructuring the Conference

The recent restructuring sees Oregon State and Washington State no longer languishing without clear direction. For more than a year, these two institutions had been embroiled in legal disputes over Pac-12 assets and operational control. While seeking out their television deals and navigating through difficulties, they managed to secure a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West conference for football. Leadership changes followed, with Gould replacing George Kliavkoff and Anne McCoy stepping in at Washington State.

An Exclusive Gathering

In July, the Pac-12 hosted an exclusive gathering dubbed “After Hours with the Beavs & Cougs” at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. With no full media day on the agenda, this intimate event drew about 100 attendees from collegiate athletics and media, allowing for hopeful conversation amid the backdrop of the conference collapse last summer. As Gould rallied the room, anecdotes of future opportunities and celebration emerged.

Lingering Apprehensions

On that evening, however, there was a lingering sense of apprehension regarding the Pac-12’s future, with many believing the remaining schools were cornered within their alliance in the Mountain West. Interestingly, industry insiders speculated about a reverse merger that would have sent OSU and WSU into the Mountain West while retaining brand identity under the Pac-12. Fortunately, that wasn’t the outcome Gould sought.

Decisive Leadership

As conversations progressed, the relentless efforts of the athletic directors from the Mountain West bore fruit as the four schools submitted their applications, paving the way for a new and exciting Pac-12. Yet, observers noted the lack of awareness among the other Mountain West schools during this process, leading to potential rifts in conference relationships.

Background of Teresa Gould

Gould's decisive leadership marked a turning point amid a year of upheaval and uncertainty; athletic directors felt truly supported under her guidance. Unlike her predecessor, Gould boasts a rich background in college sports, having previously served in prominent roles, including the deputy commissioner, interim athletic director at UC Davis, and a longstanding experience in various positions at Cal and the West Coast Conference.

Looking Ahead

With the future looking brighter but still fragile, the Pac-12 must expand further by July 1, 2026. Stakeholders eagerly anticipate new additions and are currently communicating with other conferences, including the American Athletic Conference, as they explore new partnerships. Names like UNLV have emerged as potential future members, with discussions already underway.

The Apple Cup Victory

As Washington State celebrated a victory against Washington in the Apple Cup, Coach Jake Dickert echoed sentiments shared by the conference’s leaders: the time for fundamental investment in the future is now. Gould also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the Pac-12 community, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring it thrives for years to come.

Conclusion

What's Next for the Pac-12? The road ahead is promising, but only time will reveal if the conference can recover fully and regain its stature in collegiate athletics. Stay tuned for more updates!