The University of Colorado has accepted an invitation to join the Pacific-10 Conference, the first school to join the conference since 1978.
"The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott said in an e-mailed statement.
Philip P. DiStefano, Colorado's chancellor, said: "On behalf of The University of Colorado students, faculty, alumni and fans, we are proud to accept this invitation from the Pac-10 and join the most prestigious academic and athletic conference in the nation."
While Colorado has accepted the invitation, a source said more will be extended soon — probably to Texas, Oklahoma and three other schools from the Big 12.
Everything depends on Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers, a Big 12 member, are expected to announce this week that they are joining the Big Ten. If that happens, then Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State will bolt to the Pac-10 to create the first 16-team super conference, split into two eight-team divisions.
"They want to make the Pac-16 happen," the source said.
The league would form its own television network, with per-school revenue more than doubling.
If Nebraska remains in the Big 12 and the rest of that league stays intact, the Pac-10 would invite Utah as its 12th team and split into two six-team divisions.
"The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott said in an e-mailed statement.
Philip P. DiStefano, Colorado's chancellor, said: "On behalf of The University of Colorado students, faculty, alumni and fans, we are proud to accept this invitation from the Pac-10 and join the most prestigious academic and athletic conference in the nation."
While Colorado has accepted the invitation, a source said more will be extended soon — probably to Texas, Oklahoma and three other schools from the Big 12.
Everything depends on Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers, a Big 12 member, are expected to announce this week that they are joining the Big Ten. If that happens, then Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State will bolt to the Pac-10 to create the first 16-team super conference, split into two eight-team divisions.
"They want to make the Pac-16 happen," the source said.
The league would form its own television network, with per-school revenue more than doubling.
If Nebraska remains in the Big 12 and the rest of that league stays intact, the Pac-10 would invite Utah as its 12th team and split into two six-team divisions.
