Arrr, thar be a mighty response from Big 12 to Colorado's land-ho celebration! Just two words, matey!
2023-07-28
Arrr, the Big 12, they be sayin' but two words to this here news 'bout the University of Colorado leavin' the Pac-12 after the season o' 2023-24. Aye, me hearties, tis a tale of departin' seas and conferences, shiver me timbers!
In a surprising turn of events, the Colorado Buffaloes will be bidding farewell to the Pac-12 conference after the 2023-24 season. The school has been granted permission by the Colorado Board of Regents to rejoin the Big 12 conference starting in the 2024-25 academic year. This decision comes after Colorado spent 15 years in the Big 12 before joining the Pac-12 in 2011. They are not alone in their departure from the Pac-12, as UCLA and USC are also set to join the Big Ten in 2024.The Big 12, on the other hand, is delighted to welcome Colorado back into their ranks. Commissioner Brett Yomark released a statement simply stating, "They're back." The Big 12 has been undergoing changes of its own, having recently added four new teams in preparation for the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC in 2024. UCF, Cincinnati, Houston, and BYU have all joined the conference, making it a 14-team league for the upcoming academic year.
Colorado's decision to switch conferences was based on the desire for stability, resources, and exposure for long-term success. Chancellor Philip DiStefano and Athletic Director Rick George stated that the Big 12's national reach across three time zones, as well as their shared vision for the future, made it an excellent fit for CU Boulder. Despite the switch, they expressed gratitude for their time in the Pac-12 and their commitment to continuing to invest in their student-athletes.
For the Pac-12, this departure does not disrupt their commitment to their shared values and the development of student-athletes. They remain focused on their media rights deal and are open to expansion opportunities in the future. The conference aims to bring new fans, markets, excitement, and value to the Pac-12 after finalizing their media rights deal.