Pac-12 Realignment: Conf. couldn’t close Grant of Rights deal

If you’ve been following the Pac-12 conference realignment buzz, there’s been a lot of information. On Thursday evening, it seemed inevitable that Arizona would join the Big 12. Thanks to prior reports, it was believed that Arizona State and Utah wouldn’t be far behind.

Then reports early Friday morning claimed that the Pac-12 conference was meeting to sign a Grant of Rights deal. This would mean the remaining nine teams would likely be staying together in the Conference of Champions if signed.

Sources indicating to me and @CFBHeather that the Pac-12 is unlikely to land the plane this morning and get its media rights deal signed on this call today. Multiple variables at play here, including 11th hour Big Ten push for Oregon and Washington. Everything remains fluid. https://t.co/YUm5xStXv7

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

It wasn’t signed. That means a busy day in college football.

The Grant of Rights deal wasn’t signed, what does that mean?

According to many reports, Oregon is in control of the Pac-12’s future. The Ducks could opt to join the Big 10 and strike a dagger in the heart of the Pac-12. Or they could stay and bring the conference together.

If the Ducks were to join the Big 10, it is believed that Washington would follow. The departure of those two strong football programs and brands would sink the conference. In all likelihood, Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah would escape the plunge to irrelevancy while they had a chance and join the Big 12.

Washington State, Stanford, Oregon State, and California would be left dead in the water.

It’s important to note this situation is fluid and information and details are constantly changing. For example, this morning the Big 10 Presidents did not have a meeting scheduled. After it broke that the Pac-12 couldn’t close the Grant of Rights deal, the Big 10 Presidents scheduled a call.

Can confirm @ralphDrussoAP report that there's a Big Ten presidents call now scheduled for today. There wasn't one scheduled early this morning.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 4, 2023

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, as of Friday afternoon, Oregon and Washington are trending toward the Big 10. Is the official demise of the Pac-12 on its way?

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