Pac-2 Schools Hold Key Vote in College Football Playoff Expansion Negotiations
The future of college football playoffs hangs in the balance as the Pac-12 conference faces an uncertain future and holds the deciding vote in the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion negotiations. The CFP Management Committee, comprised of commissioners and conference presidents, met in Houston on January 8th to address the final access point for the expanded 12-team playoff field. However, the Pac-12 requested a delay in the vote, leaving the decision in limbo.
The Pac-12, or what remains of it, now consists of only two schools: Oregon State and Washington State. These schools, battered and bruised after being left out in conference realignment, find themselves in a unique position of power. With the CFP decisions requiring unanimous agreement until the end of the current media rights contract in 2025-26, the Pac-2 schools can essentially control any issue related to the playoffs over the next two years.
Washington State president Kirk Schulz, who represents the Pac-12 on the CFP Board, holds the crucial vote that could determine the outcome of the negotiations. Schulz is seeking voting rights and revenue assurances for the Pac-12 going forward. The Pac-2’s leverage in these negotiations is evident, as they can potentially veto any decision made by the CFP Management Committee.
The primary motivation behind the Pac-2’s stance is money. The extra spot in the playoff is highly valuable, with research indicating that it is likely to be filled by an SEC or Big Ten school. The Pac-12 schools are seeking financial assurances to ensure their athletic departments can continue running smoothly amidst an uncertain future. Currently ranked 53rd and 54th in revenue nationally, Washington State and Oregon State need a boost to maintain their standard of living.
The Pac-12’s financial situation is further complicated by significant liabilities attached to the conference brand. The schools are still responsible for monies owed to former partner Comcast and potentially the Holiday Bowl. Additionally, a decision needs to be made regarding the contract of Pac-12 commissioner Kliavkoff, who now oversees a conference that no longer exists.
In the next two years, the Pac-2 schools will operate as quasi-independents, participating in a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West conference. They will receive approximately $5 million annually in CFP disbursements during this period. However, beyond 2026, everything is uncertain, including the size of the playoff itself.
To secure their finances, Oregon State and Washington State may need to join a new conference. The ACC and Big 12 are the most desirable options, with Florida State’s attempt to exit the ACC garnering attention. If Florida State successfully leaves the ACC, it could destabilize the conference and potentially allow for the formation of a new Pac-12 segment on the West Coast.
At present, it is expected that Oregon State and Washington State will align more permanently with the Mountain West conference starting in 2026. However, they may also need to consider joining a new subdivision proposed by NCAA president Charlie Baker. This subdivision would require schools to establish a trust fund for players, costing an estimated $5-7.5 million annually per school. While this may be a way for the Pac-2 schools to remain competitive regardless of their conference affiliation, it poses additional financial challenges.
The Pac-2’s vote in the CFP expansion negotiations holds significant weight, as it could determine the future of college football playoffs. With financial concerns at the forefront, Oregon State and Washington State are seeking assurances and leveraging their position to secure their athletic departments’ stability. As the CFP Management Committee convenes for scheduled meetings, all eyes are on the Pac-2 and their vote that could shape the future of college football.
