At the core, the decision is all about TV.
While surprising, even to Pac-12 officials, the announcement Thursday gives the Los Angeles schools stability and exposure in a shifting collegiate sports landscape.
The Pac-12 had the lowest distribution number among Power Five schools, paying its member institutions $19.8 million in 2021.UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., right, tries to get by USC forward Isaiah Mobley on March 5, 2022, in Los Angeles. USC and UCLA are leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten in a seismic change that could lead to another major realignment of college sports.
“Money talks,” said Tom McMillen, President and CEO of Lead1, which represents Football Bowl Subdivision athletic directors and programs. “I was on the board of regents when Maryland jumped in to the Big Ten, and there were all kinds of arguments about it was academics and it was this and that, but ultimately it came down to money. I think that’s the same case here.”
The tiering could stratify even more if the SEC and the Big Ten continue to expand, which could be the next step.
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