By Jeff Bugher
jbugher@pokesnews.com
Earlier this year, the college football world was shaken when 10 out of 12 members of the Pac-12 Conference announced their intentions to leave for other conferences in 2024. However, two teams, Oregon State University and Washington State University, found themselves unable to secure new conference affiliations. Now, a recent report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports suggests that the remaining Pac-12 schools might be forging a unique path in collaboration with the Mountain West Conference.
Dubbed the "Pac-2" in the absence of an official name, this potential collaboration aims to see Oregon State and Washington State engage in matchups with Mountain West teams as early as 2024. According to the proposal outlined in the report, a two-year agreement is on the table, with each MWC team featuring seven conference games and an additional game against a Pac-2 opponent, complete with a rotating home-and-away series.
These matchups won't impact the conference standings, and the Pac-2 members won't be eligible for the Mountain West championship. However, the financial implications of this agreement could prove to be a win-win scenario. Mountain West schools will retain broadcasting rights for home games against the Pac-2, while the Pac-2 duo can negotiate agreements to televise their home games, potentially opening new revenue streams for both sides. Football is reportedly in discussions at this time, and other sports could follow.
All or Nothing
The report emphasizes the financial provisions to prevent the Pac-2 from poaching Mountain West schools for future conferences, underlining the significance of maintaining the stability and integrity of the Mountain West Conference.
A Merger in the Future? Maybe...
While this agreement offers a positive step toward a potential merger between the Pac-2 and the Mountain West, it also reveals a cautious approach from the Pac-2, suggesting they are unwilling to commit to a merger at this time. This lack of commitment has us believing that the Pac-2 is keeping its options open, hinting at the unpredictability of the college football landscape.
Does this Impact UW?
Wyoming would benefit from a lot of national TV exposure and more revenue via a deal with the Pac-2, further enhancing the University of Wyoming's brand. We don't really see any downside to a deal like this, and it is definitely a push in the right direction. Perhaps it could help MWC schools from leaving in the future.
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