Could the Mountain West and Pac-12 Unite to Create a Mighty 16-Team Conference Down Under?

The Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference Consider Merger for Survival

The Decline of the Pac-12

In a surprising turn of events, the once-mighty Pac-12 conference has been reduced to just four schools, with eight institutions departing in recent days. This drastic decrease in membership has left the Pac-12 scrambling to find a way to survive and remain relevant in the college sports world. One potential solution that has been floated is a merger with the Mountain West Conference, specifically with San Diego State’s current conference.

The Possibility of a Merger

Preliminary talks have already begun regarding a potential merger between the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference. The idea is to have the two conferences come together in some form, potentially as early as next year when the Pac-12‘s current media rights contract expires. However, the specifics of how this merger would take place are still uncertain.

The Options: Takeover or Merger?

There are two main options on the table for the merger. One option is a traditional corporate takeover, where one conference absorbs the other. The remaining Pac-12 schools (Stanford, Cal, Oregon State, and Washington State) could select new members from the Mountain West and the American Athletic Conference to rebuild their conference. Alternatively, the Mountain West, being the larger and more stable conference, could simply absorb the remaining Pac-12 schools. However, both options have their drawbacks.

Financial Considerations

One major concern is the financial implications of such a merger. The Mountain West schools would have to pay an estimated $34 million exit fee each to depart by 2024, which might not be financially feasible for them. Additionally, there are significant financial benefits associated with being part of the Pac-12, such as College Football Playoff and NCAA Tournament distributions. Leaving the Pac-12 would mean forfeiting these financial gains and a seat at the table of college sports’ powerbrokers as a member of the “autonomous five” conferences.

The Merger Option

The other option gaining traction is a more balanced merger. The idea would be to dissolve the Mountain West in name only, eliminating exit fees, and relocating most, if not all, of its members into the Pac-12. This would allow the Pac-12 to retain its name and power conference status while also maintaining the financial benefits of CFP payouts and NCAA Tournament units. Additionally, there is talk of inviting Gonzaga to join as a non-football affiliate, further enhancing the already strong collection of men’s basketball programs.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the potential benefits of a merger, there are several challenges that the conferences will need to address. One of the key issues is deciding which schools would be included in the merger. Oregon State and Washington State are seen as likely candidates due to their ties to the Mountain West. However, Stanford and Cal may view themselves as above sending their softball teams to smaller schools and might even consider going independent in football temporarily. These decisions will impact the size and composition of the merged conference.

Preserving Revenues and Assets

The primary focus of any merger talks will be on preserving the financial assets and revenues of both conferences. This includes maintaining the larger CFP payouts associated with being part of a “power” conference like the Pac-12, as well as keeping the NCAA Tournament “units” that are based on a conference‘s team performance over six years. Both conferences are set to receive over $60 million after 2024, and the merger aims to ensure that these revenues are not lost.

The Television Contract and Other Considerations

Another important consideration is the television contract. The current Mountain West deal is shared between Fox and CBS and has three years remaining. If the conference adds or loses members, the contract allows for renegotiation or seeking a third TV partner. The Pac-12‘s contract, on the other hand, expires next summer. The most likely solution would be to operate under the Mountain West contract until 2025-26 and then negotiate a new deal that would provide a significant increase in revenue for the merged conference. There are also matters related to the Pac-12 Networks and the annual TV “carve-out” granted to Boise State as an incentive for returning to the Mountain West.

The Complexity of the Merger Process

Undoubtedly, a merger between the Pac-12 and Mountain West would be a complex process. It would require cooperation and involvement from attorneys on both sides, making it a time-consuming endeavor. In the current climate where quick answers are desired, this could present a hurdle. However, with the future of the Pac-12 hanging in the balance, it is crucial that all parties involved exercise patience and work towards a solution that can ensure the survival and competitiveness of both conferences.

Editorial and Advice

The potential merger of the Pac-12 and Mountain West presents both opportunities and challenges for college sports. While consolidation can lead to strength and stability, it is essential to consider the impact on student-athletes and university budgets. Any decisions made should prioritize the welfare and interests of these individuals and institutions.

Both conferences must carefully weigh the financial implications of the merger. It is crucial to ensure that the financial gains associated with being part of the Pac-12 are not lost, while also considering the financial feasibility for the Mountain West schools. The decision must strike a balance between maximizing revenues and maintaining sustainability for all member institutions.

Furthermore, it is imperative to consider the impact on the broader college sports landscape. Losing the Pac-12 as a “power five” conference could result in a significant shift in the balance of power among conferences. It is essential to find a solution that preserves the competitive integrity of college sports while also fostering the growth and development of student-athletes.

In making these decisions, transparency is key. Both conferences should engage in open and honest communication with their respective stakeholders, including university and athletic department leadership, student-athletes, and fans. This will help foster trust and ensure that the decisions made are in the best interest of all parties involved.

Ultimately, the potential merger between the Pac-12 and Mountain West could be a turning point for college sports. It presents an opportunity to restructure and create a more sustainable and competitive landscape. However, it is essential to approach this process with careful consideration and diligence to ensure that the future of college sports is safeguarded.