Pac-12 Expands Its Ranks By Welcoming Four New Mountain West Members

The Pac-12 conference has bolstered its roster by adding four new members – Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State. This move comes after the conference lost some key members, and the four Mountain West schools are set to join the Pac-12 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

With Oregon State and Washington State as the remaining teams from the conference’s previous incarnation, the Pac-12 is expected to regain its status as a formidable conference. However, the new schools will have to pay a $17 million exit fee to leave the Mountain West, which is a standard protocol.

San Diego State has a proud history in college football and this addition will significantly enhance the Pac-12’s presence in Southern California, a region known for its talent-rich football and basketball recruitment opportunities. Notably, their men’s basketball team made it to the National Championship game in 2023, but lost to Connecticut 76-59.

In adding Colorado State, the Pac-12 gains a foothold in the state after the University of Colorado, Boulder, shifted to the Big 12 this season. Colorado State is confident that joining the Pac-12 will increase their overall program exposure at a national level.

The President of Colorado State, Amy Parsons, is prepared to handle the required exit fees associated with the move.

Fresno State also boasts competitive programs in football and basketball. This addition aligns perfectly with the Pac-12’s geographic presence and further enhances the conference’s footprint in Central California. University officials believe this move will contribute to raising the athletic program’s profile on a national scale.