The Pac-12 Conference ushers in a new era and strengthens its legacy by welcoming four respected academic and athletic universities

By means of: Pac-12 Conference

The six universities unite to stimulate growth, awareness and legacy value and
brand of the 100-year-old conference, its member institutions and student-athletes

SAN RAMON, CA (September 12, 2024) – The Pac-12 Conference Board of Governors has voted unanimously to admit Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno and San Diego State University, four respected institutions recognized for their academic and athletic achievements, into the Pac-12 Conference effective July 1, 2026. Competition for all conference sports will begin in the 2026-2027 academic year.

After the four universities’ formal written applications were reviewed, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould and the conference’s Board of Governors strategically evaluated each university’s application based on five priority criteria and established criteria. These criteria included academic and athletic performance; media and brand evaluation; commitment to athletic success; geography and logistics; culture; and student-athlete well-being.

“For more than a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics,” said Commissioner Teresa Gould. “We will continue to pursue bold, groundbreaking opportunities for growth and advancement to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes. I am grateful to our board for their efforts to welcome Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno and San Diego State University to the conference. An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today.”

The Pac-12 Conference has a legacy of excellence in athletics and academics. It has produced championship-caliber individuals both on and off the field, and will continue that legacy with the additions of Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno and San Diego State University.

Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy and Washington State University President Kirk Schulz added in a joint statement, “We are honored to welcome the distinguished leadership of Boise State University President Dr. Marlene Tromp, Colorado State University President Amy Parsons, California State University, Fresno President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and San Diego State University President Dr. Adela de la Torre to the Pac-12 Board of Governors. We look forward to their unique, insightful contributions during this transformative era for the conference and college athletics.”

Along with Oregon State and Washington State University, the conference’s four new members recognize the importance of strategic and innovative thinking. All six are committed to taking unconventional approaches to ensure the success of the conference and its member institutions, in addition to providing incredible experiences for student-athletes.

Oregon State University and Washington State University currently operate as members of the Pac-12 Conference as part of a two-year NCAA grace period and will continue to do so for the 2025-26 academic season before the four new members officially join. The six universities will jointly map out additional membership and other future conference considerations.