SDSU, Colorado State join Pac-12 with two other Mountain West schools
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San Diego State is headed to the Pac-12. Photo: Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
San Diego State and Colorado State universities are joining a reinvigorated Pac-12 in 2026, the conference announced Thursday morning.
Why it matters: The decision ends years of SDSU flirtations with moving to a bigger conference after an abandoned 2023 attempt to leave the Mountain West.
Driving the news: The two remaining Pac-12 members — Oregon State and Washington State — voted Thursday to bring the Mountain West's four marquee schools into "a new era" for the conference.
- Boise State and Fresno State will also join the new Pac-12 for the 2026-27 season.
Catch up quick: The Pac-12 was gutted heading into this season after Oregon and Washington left for the Big Ten; Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah headed to the Big 12; and California and Stanford moved to the ACC.
What they're saying: SDSU president Adela de la Torre said in a release the move would provide financial opportunities, attract top-tier talent and let the school compete at a national level.
- "The move to the Pac-12 is a transformative moment for our entire university," de la Torre said.
- "This moment has been a long time coming," CSU athletic director John Weber said according to the school. "I know our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and fans are hungry for this move and are going to love what comes next as CSU charts a transformational new course as a member of the Pac-12."
Follow the money: Oregon State and Washington State are on the hook for $43 million in "poaching fees" to the Mountain West, the Union-Tribune reported.
- Each departing school is expected to owe the Mountain West $20 million in exit fees, too.
- "There will be conversations going forward about the Mountain West exit fees and Pac-12 support for our transition," CSU president Amy Parsons said. "We are confident the path forward will not impact our current university budget and will set CSU up for incredible opportunities to come."
Between the lines: This "long-term move" comes with a nationally recognized Pac-12 brand and potential revenue streams, including a projected TV rights deal, that puts SDSU in a better financial position, even with the exit fee, according to athletic director JD Wicker.
- The university is working through what "pots of money" will pay for that fee, but it won't be university funds, student fees or state money, he said at a press conference Thursday.
- "That's on me and the development team to figure that out," Wicker said.
- Plus, the Pac-12 will help SDSU pay the exit fee, he said. The assistance could be through existing revenue or by taking out future loans based on new revenues coming in.
What's next: The conference will now search for at least two additional schools to reach the NCAA's eight-school minimum for a conference.
- SDSU will have input in choosing those other schools to rebuild the Pac-12.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information about the Pac-12's expansion.