The main reason why everyone is leaving the Pac-12 conference is money and media rights deals. The Pac-12 has struggled for years with poor organization and has significantly trailed behind other Power 5 conferences in terms of lucrative media rights deals and payouts to member schools. This financial disadvantage contributed to prominent schools like USC and UCLA leaving for the Big Ten, with other schools following suit as the Pac-12 failed to secure a competitive media deal to sustain its membership. Additional factors include the conference's inability to produce top national champions in football and basketball in recent years, which reduced its attractiveness to broadcasters and fans. The failed Pac-12 Network and extravagant executive expenses worsened financial woes, resulting in less media revenue and less appeal for schools to stay. These financial difficulties compounded by scheduling challenges and lower viewer engagement due to time zone issues also played a role in weakening the conference. In 2023 and 2024, many schools left for more financially promising conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. The Pac-12 became a two-team conference effective 2025-26, with most schools seeking better media rights deals and revenue opportunities elsewhere. Exit fees and legal disputes have arisen around conference departures, but the overriding cause is the Pac-12's lagging financial position and lack of a competitive media rights deal compared to peers.
