The Big Ten Conference made headlines on Friday with the confirmation of the addition of Oregon and Washington as new members, starting from August 2, 2024. The decision, unanimously voted upon by the Presidents/Chancellors of the Big Ten, brings the total number of teams in the conference to 18 for the 2024-25 academic year. This move marks a significant expansion for the Big Ten, which has now successfully recruited four schools from the Pac-12, having added UCLA and USC just last year.

The inclusion of Oregon and Washington into the Big Ten was hailed as a "transformational opportunity" by Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens. Mullens expressed gratitude to the Big Ten for accepting their application to join the conference, emphasizing the stability and exposure that comes with being a part of such a prestigious athletic association. He spoke highly of the conference, stating, "We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this conference, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport."

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the benefits of joining the Big Ten and the positive impact it will have on their university and athletics program. Cauce expressed confidence in Washington's ability to compete at the highest level on a national stage, emphasizing her priority of doing what is best for their student-athletes and university.

While the addition of Oregon and Washington is a cause for celebration for the Big Ten, it is a demoralizing day for the Pac-12 conference. The Pac-12 suffered a significant blow, losing Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah to the Big 12. With the departure of Oregon and Washington after the 2023-24 season, the Pac-12 will be left with only four members for the 2024-25 academic year. This sudden change in the conference's landscape has left Washington State, Cal, Stanford, and other remaining Pac-12 schools with an uncertain future.

In a joint statement, Washington State President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun expressed their disappointment with the recent decisions made by some of their Pac-12 peers. They acknowledged that while they had hoped for the Pac-12 membership to remain intact, they had been preparing for various scenarios, including the current situation. Schulz and Chun emphasized their commitment to charting the best path forward for Washington State Athletics, relying on the strength of their student-athletes, tradition, and support from fans, donors, and alumni.

Despite the excitement surrounding their inclusion in the Big Ten, both Oregon and Washington will not receive full shares of Big Ten revenue immediately. According to ESPN, the two schools will initially receive around $30 million annually, with the amount increasing by $1 million each year. This gradual increase in revenue demonstrates the financial considerations involved in conference realignment.

As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, the Big Ten's expansion and the Pac-12's losses mark a significant shift in the dynamics of collegiate sports. The addition of Oregon and Washington to the Big Ten not only strengthens the conference but also creates uncertainty for the Pac-12, which must now navigate an uncertain future with a reduced number of members.