The NEW PAC 12
Here’s an updated overview of the revitalized Pac‑12 Conference and its dramatic resurgence, featuring its newest member and broader strategic developments:
🏈 The New Pac‑12 Takes Shape
The Pac‑12 is officially being reborn. After dramatic departures to the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 in 2022–23 that reduced the conference to just Oregon State and Washington State, the league has decisively rebuilt itself by adding four former Mountain West schools—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, as well as Utah State, and the non‑football powerhouse Gonzaga. These institutions will join effective July 1, 2026 .
🎉 Texas State Joins the Reboot
On June 30, 2025, the Pac‑12 formally extended and accepted an invitation to Texas State University, making it the ninth full member and eighth football‑sponsoring institution in the new league .
The Texas State Board of Regents approved a $5 million exit fee to leave the Sun Belt—just in time to avoid a July 1 deadline when that fee would double .
The Bobcats will remain in the Sun Belt for the 2025–26 academic and athletic year, then begin competition in all sports under the Pac‑12 banner starting July 1, 2026 .
The Pac‑12 Board of Directors voted unanimously to admit Texas State, which brings a student body of over 40,000 and a rising athletic profile under coach G.J. Kinne .
Texas State’s addition fulfills the NCAA requirement of a minimum of eight football‑playing members for FBS status, a crucial milestone for the revived league .
📺 Media & Financial Foundation
The reborn Pac‑12 has also secured a major media deal: CBS Sports will serve as its primary broadcast partner through the 2030–31 season, airing at least three regular‑season football and men’s basketball games annually, including both conference championship games. Telecasts will be distributed across CBS, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Network .
This partnership positions the conference for sustainable visibility and revenue as it navigates modern college‑sports economics.
🌐 Why It Matters
Strategic Realignment: The Pac‑12’s new membership map blends West Coast tradition with Mountain West momentum—and now extends into Texas, opening fresh recruiting and commercial opportunities.
Texas State’s Rise: The Bobcats have invested heavily in athletic infrastructure ($149M since 2022, with another $50M planned) and delivered consistent success in the Sun Belt region, including multiple all‑sports commissioner’s cups .
Growth Potential: Pac‑12 Commissioner Teresa Gould has stated that the conference may expand further—and schools like UTSA, Rice, Saint Mary’s or Sacramento State are potential future targets .
📅 Timeline & Membership Snapshot
Date Event
July 1, 2026 New Pac‑12 launches with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Gonzaga, Utah State, Texas State, Oregon State, Washington State .
🎙️ Voices from the Conference
Commissioner Teresa Gould: “We are extremely excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member… a new day in college sports…” .
Texas State President Kelly Damphousse: “Joining the Pac‑12 is more than an athletic move—it is a declaration of our rising national profile…” .
🏟️ Looking Ahead
With its FBS eligibility secured, the Pac‑12 is on a path toward greater national relevance.
The CBS media partnership provides stability and exposure, but additional broadcast agreements may follow.
Further expansion could enhance competitiveness, especially if the league targets additional football-playing institutions in Texas or across the West.
✅ In Summary
The revitalized Pac‑12 is back—and bold. With the addition of Texas State as its eighth football‑sponsoring and ninth full member, paired with a robust media deal with CBS, the conference is positioning itself for long-term viability. If further growth continues, it may soon regain status as a premier Power Five league.