Well here it is—the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The Pac-12 has made their expansion official.
In need of an 8th all-sports member to keep the conference official, all reports seem to indicate that we finally have white smoke a top the Pac-12 headquarters.
Texas State, c’mon down!
(cue the Price is Right theme song)
As the Pac-12 looks to reinvent itself in the wake of recent realignments and member departures, the addition of Texas State University as the league’s 9th member—8th in all sports—marks a bold and strategic step toward revitalization.
And a step out of desperation.
Almost every major beat writer on credible new outlets has reported this massive breaking headline—just not from the conference or institution themselves quite yet. While the move may surprise traditionalists (whoever’s left of them), it does signal the conference’s commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and most importantly—market expansion.
By adding Texas State, the Pac-12 would extend its reach into the football-rich and commercially valuable Texas market. This move diversifies the conference’s geography, tapping into a region with passionate fans, strong recruiting pipelines, and a location nestled between major media markets like Austin and San Antonio.
It’s a win for television visibility and sponsorship potential, both of which are crucial in an era dominated by media rights negotiations. Now that the Pac-12 has an anchor deal with CBS and Paramount, the Texas market undoubtedly adds to that attractiveness the rest of the media groups see and should be willing to join on.
And of course there is the factor of San Marcos, Texas being an insane college town in not just Texas but all of the U.S.
Okay but Texas State isn’t Memphis.
No, it’s not.
While Memphis boasts a football to basketball success ratio not many available teams out there can compete with, at this exact moment the Tigers of the AAC just aren’t a viable option for the rebranded conference of champions. But for you out there that’s not exactly thrilled of this addition of the Bobcats, hear me out.
Some of you love to tout that there is no king in America. Well, don’t tell that to football fans in Texas, where the sport reigns supreme above all others. Tapping into that mindset, culture, and opportunity should also be at the top of the list for the Pac-12 fan.
Texas State has steadily improved in recent years, particularly in football under head coach G.J. Kinne. Their rising competitiveness aligns with the Pac-12’s goal of building a cohesive yet formidable group of institutions that can challenge for postseason relevance across multiple sports.
Now I know what you’re saying. Hey Pac-12, the old Mountain West tried this already, remember. Don’t you recall adding an under the radar at the time TCU team to the mix? How did that work out again? Oh that’s right—they left for the Big12 as soon as they built themselves up into position.
You wouldn’t be wrong for thinking that ways.
But this move feels different. Adding a growing program like Texas State also gives the conference another mutually committed partner in building long-term stability—something sorely needed after the high-profile exits of USC, UCLA, and others. As for the TCU example, at the time for the Mountain West, aligning themselves with that program only helped on the field and in the pocket book. At this time for the Pac-12 it fits even more so.
Among all other legitimate candidates Texas State has the lowest exit fee for leaving their current conference. The Sun Belt’s exit fee currently stands at $5 million before July 1 of this year. Compare that to Memphis’ potential $27 million or more exit fee from the AAC, if slated to join for 2026.
Beyond athletics, Texas State’s academic and research growth complements the Pac-12’s long-standing values of academic excellence. With a student body of over 38,000, strong regional ties, and a growing national presence, Texas State offers the potential to become a valuable contributor both on and off the field. The move would also give the school its first opportunity to play in a power-aligned conference, boosting its profile and elevating its recruiting capabilities.
The inclusion of Texas State isn’t just about replacing lost members—it’s about redefining what the Pac-12 stands for. This revamped league is younger, hungrier, and poised for strategic growth.
So why haven’t we heard the official word yet? Why is there no confirmation posts or press conference schedule from the Pac-12 and Texas State together? Word has been said Monday, June 30 there is to be an official presser making the announcement.
It is also believed that there may still be sticking points behind closed doors on wether Texas State earns a full share of the revenue as the other all sports members. The debate on that matter can be looked at either ways and be legitimate. The Pac-12 is desperately in need of that 8th full member and Texas State is their lifesaver. But again, the Pac-12 is also throwing Texas State a life raft for a rare new opportunity to expand their profile in every which way.
Sure seems like both need each other right now.
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