The Future of Pac-12 and Mountain West Conferences Hangs in the Balance

Oregon State and Washington State, two schools recently kicked out of the Pac-12 conference, are exploring options to preserve their status and revenue. While the Mountain West seems like the most likely landing spot, the schools are still hoping to retain their Pac-12 affiliation and potential assets. The Pac-12 brand, logo, and higher share of College Football Playoff revenue could provide financial advantages. However, the schools would need to attract desirable programs from the Mountain West and AAC to create a more attractive conference. The schools' lawyers and accountants must quickly assess the league's financial situation to cover potential exit fees. Another option is for the Pac-12 to operate as a two-team conference temporarily. The future of realignment remains uncertain, but decisions must be made promptly for the upcoming football season.