The Big Ten Conference voted Friday to accept Oregon effective August 2, 2024. The University of Oregon will remain in the Pac-12 Conference for the duration of the Pac-12's existing media rights agreements.

The move will benefit UO students and faculty, said University of Oregon President Karl Scholz, who, while dean and provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, helped shape and observed the benefits of the Big Ten Academic Alliance over the last decade.

With the future of the PAC 12 conference uncertain, Oregon taxpayers could be at risk, according to some. As the University of Oregon and the University of Washington are in talks with the Big 10 Conference about potential exit plans, questions remain about the impact on Oregon’s university system.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is calling on House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) to convene a legislative panel to understand the unintended consequences of the University of Oregon’s potential move away from the PAC 12.

“As a graduate of Oregon State and as a representative of a district that houses many OSU students, I am deeply concerned about the impacts on our state university system if the University of Oregon decides to leave the PAC 12," said Representative Boshart Davis. "There are many unanswered questions about what these moves mean for Oregonians beyond just the ending of one of the nation’s longest-running rivalry football games. If one of our major universities is going to make a unilateral decision that could impact Oregon’s budget, we should at least understand the full impacts. At the most, the people’s representatives should have a say.”

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“The University of Washington estimates increased travel costs to Big 10 venues to be around $10 million. It is unclear how a similar increase in costs for the Ducks would be paid for. Will the Legislature be expected to ask taxpayers to fill that gap? How will these increased travel times impact student-athletes and their academic performance?” continued Representative Boshart Davis. “How will a depleted PAC 12 impact OSU’s revenue? It’s hard to imagine how the Beavers will make up lost revenue.”

University of Oregon Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Rob Mullens, looked for continued competition with Oregon State University. "In coming years, the UO will prioritize the long-held traditions, including competition across all sports with Oregon State University. The alliance puts UO student-athletes on a national stage," said Mullens.

Representative Boshart Davis summarized her feelings. “As legislators, we must ensure government entities like the public university system does not overly burden taxpayers. We need to have all the information before a decision is made.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-05 12:05:51