They will be attending a conference with the University of Michigan, Penn State and the State of Ohio, creating a 16-member conference that will compete with the Southeast Conference (SEC). Less than a year ago, a similar move shocked the world of college football when the Universities of Texas and Oklahoma accepted invitations to join the SEC from the Big 12. According to the USC, the Big Ten voted to accept both universities as members from August 2, 2024. The change has important implications for the forthcoming media rights agreements. USC says it will see its current deal with Pac-12 by the end of 2024. “Ultimately, the Big Ten is the best home for USC and Trojan sports as we move into the new world of team sports,” USC Sports Director Mike Bohn said in a statement. “We will also benefit from the stability and strength of the conference, the athletic caliber of the Big Ten institutions, the increased visibility, exposure and resources that the conference will offer to our student-athletes and programs, and the ability to expand our commitment. with the passionate graduates nationwide “. The UCLA statement noted increased opportunities for athletes at the conference, a reference to offers for name, image and resemblance. Last year, the NCAA allowed athletes to earn money by signing autographs or approval contracts. “Joining the Big Ten offers the Bruins exciting new competitive opportunities and a broader national media platform for our student-athletes to compete and showcase their talents. In particular, this move will enhance name, image and similarity opportunities. through greater visibility for our student-athletes and offering new partnerships with agencies across the country, “said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and athletics director Martin Jarmond. UCLA also highlighted “better TV slots for our street games”, while acknowledging the increase in travel time to away games. Current members of the Big Ten are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio, Penn State, Perdue and Rutgers. The Big Ten issued a statement saying it had voted unanimously to accept both universities after weighing in on their applications for membership. “As a national leader in academia and sport for more than 126 years, the Big Ten Conference has historically evaluated its participation with the collective goal of promoting the academic and athletic mission of student-athletes under the umbrella of higher education,” he said. Commissioner Kevin Warren. . “I am grateful for the collective efforts of our campus leadership, the track and field directors and the Council of Presidents and Chancellors who recognize the changing landscape of the college track and field, methodically considered each request and took appropriate action based on our consent.” In a statement, Pac-12 said it would “continue to thrive” despite the two colleges leaving. “We have long been known as the Conference of Champions and we are steadfast in our commitment to extend that title,” the Pac-12 Conference said in a statement. “We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member institutions and we look forward to working with current and potential members to lead together in the future of college sports.” CNN’s Jacob Lev contributed to this report.
