More than halfway through this college football season, the two remaining members of the Pac-12 still don’t have solid plans for their 2024 conference membership.
But one thing is clear: Oregon State and Washington State want to stick together.
The two schools have taken another step in their legal fight with the other 10 current Pac-12 schools leaving after this season for the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12.
After an initial lawsuit filed against the Pac-12 and commissioner George Kliavkoff, OSU and WSU have now asked a Washington State Superior Court to give them sole control of the Pac-12 conference once the other members leave. The University of Washington, which is heading for the Big Ten, previously sought to dismiss the case and ultimately disband the Pac-12 next year.
Meanwhile, OSU and WSU are exploring an alliance with the Mountain West Conference that would allow them to operate as a two-team conference in 2024, according to Yahoo Sports. Specific details are unclear, but the move would provide the Pac-12 remnants with a solid schedule of games without having to fully join a new conference.
ACC Not Done?
With ACC commissioner Jim Phillips putting on a brave face in defending the conference’s expansion moves this summer, several influential coaches are anticipating even further moves.
“For anybody to think this is the end of realignment, you’re fooling yourself,” Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer said at this week’s media tipoff event in Charlotte. Virginia’s Tony Bennett noted the moves were about football, TV ratings, and revenue.
“I’m guessing it’s not over,” Miami basketball coach Jim Larranaga added.
The Big 12 is considering adding Gonzaga and potentially UConn, which could have further ramifications on the rest of the college landscape.
