Starting in 2024, UCLA, USC, the University of Oregon, and the University of Washington will be transitioning out of Pac-12 and joining the Big 10 conference. This change is unprecedented and makes for a coast-to-coast conference in the U.S. The two Southern California teams and two Pacific Northwest teams will expand the Big 10 to have 18 teams. The transition has benefits for the schools but also downsides for the athletes and athletic programs. This switch seems like a major benefit to the schools and for football, but it might not be for the Division 1 soccer teams.
Why UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington are Switching Conferences
Many fans and players alike are confused as to why these two schools would make such a large move to a conference with schools spread across completely different areas of the country. In their past conference, Pac-12, they did not have to travel more than 1,000 miles for a game. In the Big 10, the closest school is 1,200 miles away.
One main reason the schools decided to apply for the Big 10 was monetary incentives. It has been projected that they will make more than double what they currently make in media rights fees. Another reason is that the game times on television will give more exposure to the two schools nationally.
