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Activity At A Major PAC 12 Program Sparks Rumors About A Potential Move To The Big XII

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The PAC 12 continues to find itself in limbo regarding its future in major college athletics. Rumors surrounding the league have folks wondering if its demise is on the horizon.

Recent activity at Colorado has many convinced that yet another affiliate is on the way out, with many predicting the Buffaloes to land back in the Big XII.

This comes after the conference’s two largest brands, UCLA and USC, announced their intentions to join the Big Ten. That move set into motion a domino effect that has put the PAC 12’s future in danger.

Without the Los Angeles market, the league is having trouble securing a media rights deal. It’s current deal with FOX and ESPN is set to expire in 2024.

The reported value of a new agreement has dropped significantly with the losses of the Bruins and Trojans. The conference has already seen major outlets like CBS and Turner remove themselves from consideration.

While there may still be some interest from ESPN in filling its late-night football slot, the underwhelming possibility of partnering with a streaming service is becoming the most likely option.

Either that, or police drama re-run network ION TV.

With the media agreement situation looking bleak, many have already predicted a breaking up of the conference. After a recent football series cancellation between Ohio State and Washington, rumors swirled about the Huskies’ intent to head to the Big Ten.

Now, recent activity at Colorado has many believing the Buffaloes are headed to their old stomping grounds in the Big XII.

The UC Board of Regents recently scheduled what it calls a “special” meeting in order to discuss “legal advice on a specific matter” and an “athletics update on the Pac 12.” That meeting will take place on March 8th.

Fans are already running with this surprise board meeting, posting immediate reactions online. Most believe Colorado’s move to the Big XII is inevitable.

That’s certainly not outside the realm of possibilities. In fact, it’s been reported that Colorado has already been in contact with the Big XII.

Max Olson and Stewart Mandel of The Athletic wrote about the league’s interest in a number of notable PAC 12 programs.

 Sources briefed on the discussions say the [Big XII] conference has been in recent contact with the so-called Four Corners schools — Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah — which has renewed optimism that convincing them to join is possible.

Should the PAC 12 not land a media agreement up to the liking of league members, the Big XII is ready to pounce.

And Colorado might make the most sense of all. The Buffaloes were a founding member of the Big XII in 1996, and with the recent addition of Deion Sanders at the helm, they’ve become a very marketable program in the college football world.

As uncertainty continues to surround the PAC 12, a return home for Colorado is definitely on the table.