Pac-12 relaunch lands seven new members in Las Vegas

What's happened

The Pac-12 has relaunched in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena with seven new members, creating a nine-full-time, 12-affiliate lineup. The conference cites combined dates and new formats for men’s and women’s tournaments as it returns to its Las Vegas roots.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• The move consolidates the Pac-12’s brand in a single, high-profile venue, signaling a commitment to growth and visibility in college basketball.
• By merging dates and introducing new formats for both men’s and women’s tournaments, the conference appears to be betting on enhanced fan engagement and broader media interest.
• The participation of several previously independent or migrating programs could reshape competitive dynamics, potentially increasing scheduling complexity but boosting market appeal.
• This update should be read in the context of Las Vegas’s expanding role as a hub for major college sports events.

How we got here

The Pac-12’s return to Las Vegas follows a period of upheaval that saw several member schools depart the conference. The relaunch brings Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State into the fold, while Oregon State and Washington State remain from the prior incarnation.

Our analysis

Independent: The Pac-12 announced the relaunch with seven new members and a return to MGM Grand Garden Arena, highlighting new formats and combined dates. AP News mirrors the Independent report, reinforcing the official statements from Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould. Both sources note Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State joining the conference, with Oregon State and Washington State as holdovers from the prior era.

Go deeper

• Which teams are joining the Pac-12 and how do they compare to the former lineup?
• What changes are planned for the tournament formats this year?
• When will the new schedule take effect and how will it impact fans traveling to Las Vegas?

More on these topics

• Oregon State Beavers - Intercollegiate sports teams of Oregon State University

  The Oregon State Beavers are the athletic teams that represent Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Oregon. The Beavers compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level as a member of the Pac-12 Conference.

• Colorado State University - Public university in Fort Collins, Colorado

  Colorado State University is a public research university in Fort Collins, Colorado. Colorado State University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

• Gonzaga Bulldogs - Intercollegiate sports teams of Gonzaga University

  The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, United States.

• MGM Grand Garden Arena - Arena in Paradise, Nevada

  The MGM Grand Garden Arena is a 17,000-seat multi-purpose arena located within the MGM Grand Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Las Vegas - City in Nevada

  Las Vegas, officially the City of Las Vegas and often known simply as Vegas, is the 28th-most populated city in the United States, the most populated city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County.