Pac-12 Eyes Merger with Mountain West to Preserve Power 5 Status

In a strategic move to avoid collapse, the Pac-12, now reduced to Oregon State and Washington State, considers a reverse merger with the Mountain West Conference.

Oregon State and Washington State, the remaining Pac-12 schools, are exploring a merger with the Mountain West Conference to maintain their Power 5 status.
The NCAA has granted the Pac-12 a two-year grace period to rebuild, during which football programs will play at least six MWC games.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez emphasizes the merger's importance for the league's survival and protection.
A definitive transaction could see all MWC member institutions join the Pac-12, with negotiations to be completed as soon as reasonably practicable.
The potential merger is part of broader efforts to navigate the challenges of conference realignment and ensure the future of the involved institutions.