MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Five Pac-12 Conference schools announced their plans to depart the league on Friday and when the dust settled, the Big 12 swelled to a 16-team league.
Shortly after Oregon and Washington were officially accepted into the Big 10, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah were welcomed into the Big 12. Last week, Colorado was named as the 13th member of the Big 12. The four new programs will join starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 5, 2023
“We are thrilled to welcome Arizona, Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “The Conference is gaining three premier institutions both academically and athletically, and the entire Big 12 looks forward to working alongside their presidents, athletic directors, student-athletes and administrators.”
Just four schools — California, Oregon State, Stanford and Washington State — remain in the Pac-12 beyond this season. USC and UCLA previously announced their plans to join the Big 10.
We’re excited to have UA, ASU and Utah joining Colorado in the @Big12Conference. The Big 12 is positioned extremely well as we move forward! Excited for the opportunity we have at WVU and in the Big 12. #HailWV https://t.co/3yfislDyhm
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) August 5, 2023
14 teams will compete in the Big 12 in the 2023-2024 season, the last season before Oklahoma and Texas depart for the Southeastern Conference.