News Summary
San Diego State University (SDSU) will officially join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026, following a unanimous decision by its board of directors. This addition comes as part of a larger restructuring of college football conferences amid dwindling membership in the Pac-12. With SDSU along with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Utah State, the Pac-12 aims to stabilize and enhance its competitive standings while securing necessary media rights deals.
San Diego, CA – San Diego State University (SDSU) will join the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026, along with four other schools—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Utah State—following a unanimous vote from SDSU’s board of directors. This significant move is part of a larger restructuring of college football conferences, driven by recent turmoil within the Pac-12.
The Pac-12 is currently facing challenges, as it has seen a drastic reduction in its membership. As of now, only Oregon State and Washington State remain in the conference. In light of these changes, the Pac-12 must secure at least eight teams by 2026 to maintain its status as a legitimate conference under NCAA regulations. The addition of SDSU and the other schools is expected to help the Pac-12 meet this requirement and enhance its competitive landscape.
In recent years, the Pac-12 has experienced substantial upheaval, including the departures of prominent institutions such as USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, along with Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah joining the Big 12. Additionally, Cal and Stanford are scheduled to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). These departures have left the Pac-12 with a pressing need to reevaluate its membership and financial viability.
The financial implications of these transitions are significant. The Pac-12 aims to establish a new media rights deal that is projected to surpass the current $270 million deal held by the Mountain West Conference, which expires after the 2025-26 season. So far, the Pac-12’s previous media agreements with FOX and ESPN, valued at approximately $250 million annually, have concluded, prompting the need for a new strategy.
SDSU, a founding member of the Mountain West since its inception in 1998, has a rich history of collegiate athletics. Joining the Pac-12 will not only elevate the University’s profile in college sports but also provide new financial opportunities. The Pac-12 is set to cover some or all of the $17 million exit fee per school for those transitioning from the Mountain West, helping facilitate this shift.
The Mountain West is also adversely affected by these changes, facing a minimum of $55 million in penalties from the departures. In response, the Mountain West has initiated strategies to maintain competitiveness, such as recruiting UTEP from Conference USA to join the Mountain West in 2026.
As SDSU and the other new schools prepare for their entry into the Pac-12, the conference is looking to enhance its image and competitiveness in college sports. Plans are underway for a scheduling alliance with the remaining Mountain West teams for the 2024 season, reflecting the Pac-12’s commitment to collaboration as it navigates its transition.
The recent modifications within the Pac-12 have sparked interest not only from its new members but also from its remaining institutions, with conference leaders expressing optimism about the future. The introduction of new teams is expected to usher in a reinvigorating phase for the Pac-12, presenting challenges and opportunities alike in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The impact of joining the Pac-12 is expected to be transformative for SDSU, marking a significant milestone in the university’s athletic history. With the prospect of enhanced media visibility and improved financial gains, SDSU anticipates these changes will benefit not just its sports programs but also the entire university community.
As the Pac-12 seeks to solidify its identity and competitiveness against other collegiate conferences, the arrival of these teams stands as a cornerstone of its future strategy for success.
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Additional Resources
- Hero Sports
- Wikipedia: Pac-12 Conference
- Bet Arizona
- Google Search: Pac-12 Football News
- SportsPro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google News: San Diego State University PAC-12
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
