The Pac-12 is now effectively the Pac-4 after Arizona State University and University of Arizona announced their departures Friday from the century-old conference to join the Big 12.
Brad Cesmat, host of Sports 360 AZ, says the move means a guarantee of cash for the schools that is more lucrative than staying put.
“By going to the Big 12 conference, Arizona State University and Arizona could get up to $31.5 million per year into their coffers,” according to Cesmat and other media sources.
Not everyone is happy with the move as some student athletes expressed dismay on social media, citing increased travel for both themselves and their families as well as mental health concerns.
Several softball players who compete for schools that are leaving the Pac-12 have spoken out against the latest round of conference realignment.
— Andy Wittry (@AndyWittry) August 5, 2023
They cited mental health and further distances for their families to travel for road games. pic.twitter.com/jeURfGGqjC
