Burdened Bonuses

A month prior to laying off or furloughing almost half its staff, the Pac-12 paid out performance bonuses, according to The Mercury News. Approximately 50 employees — including Commissioner Larry Scott — reportedly received bonuses that were in the “four- to lower-five-figure range,” totaling a potential $4 million.

Employees from both the Pac-12 Network and the conference received the bonuses in July, rather than the usual September or October dates. An accelerated date was reportedly to help “support the retention of key employees,” in anticipation of salary reductions and staff cuts.

In August, the Pac-12 laid off or furloughed 94 of 196 employees.

Pac-12’s Financial Woes:

• Revenue reductions across the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. 
• Approved FY21 budget has a 9% reduction in operating expenses at headquarters — or approximately $3.6 million.
• Scott took a 20% salary cut in early April, and will take a 12% cut for the 2020-21 academic year. Senior staff took 10% cuts.