Lytle: Pac-12 rebuild has been wobbling. What to know and what could be next

Colorado State is set to join a rebuilt Pac-12 in 2026. What exactly that league will look like is still uncertain.

The new Pac-12 is currently losing the PR game.

It does not mean the Pac-12 rebuild will end up a failure.

Both statements are true.

It’s been a wild week, but this is a long play.

Here’s what to know about what’s happened and what could be next. And, as best as I can figure, what it all means right now.

Who is where between the Pac-12 and Mountain West?

This week has felt like a month. On Monday there was a point where it looked like the Pac-12 rebuild could be in serious trouble as the Mountain West tried to keep all members.

But Utah State flipped to the Pac-12. That gave the Pac seven members and the Mountain West six full members, plus Hawaii (football-only).

UNLV seemed likely to follow to the Pac-12 and Air Force was on the edge.

Now, both stayed. They’ve signed on to remain in the Mountain West. The league announced the seven remaining MW programs signed a new deal through 2032. A structured system will give bonus payouts from the fees coming in from the Pac-12 and departing teams. Air Force and UNLV get a whopping 24.5% each. Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming get 11.5% each and Hawaii 5%.

The Pac-12 is currently suing the MW over the “poaching fee” owed.

So, the Pac-12 (beginning in 2026) is currently:

Oregon State

Washington State

Colorado State

Fresno State

San Diego State

Boise State

Utah State

The Mountain West is:

UNLV

Air Force

Nevada

New Mexico

Wyoming

San Jose State

Hawaii (football-only)

Let’s compare the new Pac-12 and the Mountain West

Here’s where the optics may differ from reality. It didn’t look very good for the Pac-12 this week as teams from the American (led by Memphis) turned the rebuild down. The MW was able to keep most of its core.

It has looked like the Pac-12’s bid to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lytle-pac-12-rebuild-wobbling-110446391.html

Author : The Coloradoan

Publish date : 2024-09-27 11:04:46

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