Big Ten Expanding: Adds Oregon And Washington

The way we look at college football is changing. On Friday, the Big Ten sent formal invitations to Oregon and Washington of the Pac-12. Both Oregon and Washington will accept those invitations as the Big Ten will expand to 18 teams.

Sources: While there had been some initial pushback, the Big Ten vote is expected to be unanimous. First signature move of Tony Petitti's stint as Big Ten commissioner is on the cusp. https://t.co/MgGmPOdShm

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

There were some conflicting reports as early as Friday morning before the news was announced. It appeared for the moment the Pac-12 was going to survive. The Pac-12 was in the middle of a new television and media rights deal with Apple, and today was the last day of the offer. There was a conference call scheduled for today, and initially, Oregon and Washington would be a part of the conference.

The Big Ten's situation with Oregon and Washington remains "fluid," sources tell @TheAthletic.

Buckle up. https://t.co/XfpmGy5HGR

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 4, 2023

However, how do most deals fall apart? Money. And that was the exact case here, as the Pac-12 could not close a new Grant of Rights deal. Thus the Big Ten re-engaged with Oregon and Washington. Both schools informed the Pac-12 before this conference call was happening they were leaving for the Big Ten, which unanimously went ahead with formal offers.

Sources indicating to me and @CFBHeather that the Pac-12 is unlikely to land the plane this morning and get its media rights deal signed on this call today. Multiple variables at play here, including 11th hour Big Ten push for Oregon and Washington. Everything remains fluid. https://t.co/YUm5xStXv7

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

Big Ten already expanded to 16 teams when they added USC and UCLA. Now the conference is not just a Midwest conference anymore. It is coast to coast, with Rutgers and Maryland on the East, Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA on the West. Oh yeah, and they still have their powerhouses in Michigan, Ohio, Penn St, Wisconsin, and Michigan St.

The Pac-12 survival rested on this media deal, and to be honest, you can see the conference gone within a year. Now the Big Ten has games after Dark, no longer the Pac-12. It was a move we all saw coming; we just did not know when.

The Pac-12 has been in trouble ever since its media deal ran out. Nobody is bidding for their games. The Apple Streaming Deal was the best thing going. Colorado already left the Pac-12 to go back home to the Big 12. There is talk of Arizona joining the Big 12 as well.

Another thing to keep an eye on is the ACC and the Pac-12. Both conferences have talked about working together.

Something else to keep any eye on today, per industry sources: We know the ACC & Pac-12 have talked about potentially formally working together, and ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said last week he was open to expansion & "anything that makes us a better and stronger conference."

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 4, 2023

Maybe throw the Mountain West in there as well. But it all came down to money, as it usually does.

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams and six conference champions getting automatic bids, look for that to go to 16 teams or more as the Big Ten and SEC form super conferences.

Hard not to feel sick for Oregon State, Washington State, Cal & Stanford fans. They’ve all been completely left behind. Their only potential asset is the PAC 12 playoff bid. If they were able to keep it, they may be able to cobble together other schools. But generational…

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 4, 2023

Clay Travis of Outkick sums up the feeling of College Football fans nationwide. It is a tough day as the sport that everyone knew and loved is gone.