Skip to content

Report: Big 12 in talks to add up to 6 Pac-12 schools, merger possible

Icon Sportswire / Getty

The Big 12 is in deep discussions to add multiple Pac-12 schools following the impending departures of USC and UCLA, sources told CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd.

Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado were mentioned specifically, though Washington and Oregon are also in consideration, Dodd reports.

A merger between the Big 12 and Pac-12 is reportedly also a possibility.

However, Colorado released a statement shortly after Dodd's report, assuring the school remains committed to the Pac-12, according to Brandon Marcello of 247Sports.

The Big Ten welcomed USC and UCLA as its newest members last month. Both schools are expected to join their new conference in 2024. In the wake of their departures, the Pac-12 announced its intentions to explore expansion options.

The Big 12 has been aggressive in its search for new members after Texas and Oklahoma shared their intentions on joining the SEC. The pair are expected to leave the league after the 2024 season.

Cincinnati, BYU, Houston, and UCF are set to join the Big 12 in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Pac-12's board of directors announced Tuesday that the conference will begin negotiations for its next media rights agreements immediately. The conference's deal with Fox and ESPN is set to expire in 2024.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox