Fresno State is moving on up in the world of college athletics, announcing Thursday that it has accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference.
The Bulldogs will continue to compete in the Mountain West through this school year and the next, with plans to officially join the Pac-12 in time for the 2026 academic year.
The big picture: While the Pac-12 has been decimated in recent years after being raided by the Big 10, Big 12 and ACC, Oregon State and Washington State, the two remaining teams, regrouped and made their first moves to rebuild the historic conference on Thursday.
- Boise State, Colorado State and San Diego State are also slated to join Fresno State in the Pac-12 in 2026.
What they’re saying: “Joining the Pac-12 Conference is a transformative moment for Fresno State,” said Garrett Klassy, Fresno State’s Director of Athletics. “This move not only elevates our national profile but also brings tremendous opportunities for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level. We are committed to upholding the values and traditions of both Fresno State and the Pac-12 while embracing the innovative future ahead. Together with our new conference peers, we will continue to grow, succeed and lead in both athletics and academics. The Red Wave is ready for this historic journey.”
- The Pac-12 said Commissioner Teresa Gould and the conference Board of Directors strategically evaluated each university’s application, focusing on five criteria: academics and athletics performance, media and brand evaluation, commitment to athletics success, geography and logistics and culture and student-athlete welfare.
- “For over a century, the Pac-12 Conference has been recognized as a leading brand in intercollegiate athletics,” Commissioner Teresa Gould stated. “We will continue to pursue bold cutting-edge opportunities for growth and progress, to best serve our member institutions and student-athletes. I am thankful to our board for their efforts to welcome Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University to the conference. An exciting new era for the Pac-12 Conference begins today.”
By the numbers: Fresno State’s move to the Pac-12 is certain to boost its profile nationally and bring in more money in a new television deal, which has been the driving force behind conference realignment.
- But before the ‘Dogs will be able to make that move, Fresno State will have to pony up a hefty amount of cash to the Mountain West.
- Fresno State, and the three other universities heading to the Pac-12, will have to pay the Mountain West a $17 million exit fee.
- The Pac-12 also owes the Mountain West $10-12 million per school as a penalty fee, which was negotiated in the scheduling agreement that Oregon State and Washington State signed for the 2024 season with Mountain West schools for football.
- The Pac-12 has $250 million at its disposal from NCAA Tournament payouts, media rights deals and a settlement with the 10 schools who previously departed.
- If the Pac-12 decided to foot the entire bill for the four newcomers, it would have to pay around $116 million in total to the Mountain West.
What we’re watching: Thursday’s move is the first in the future of the new Pac-12, with more additions to come.
- According to NCAA rules, a conference must have eight member universities to be part of the FBS – the NCAA’s highest-tier of college football.
- The Pac-12 was given a two-year grace period to operate with just two schools and remain in the FBS, meaning at least two more schools will need to be invited to join the conference in time for the 2026 football season to bring the conference to eight members.
