UCLA and USC to join Big Ten conference, shaking up the college sports landscape

By David Close, CNN

Updated 0326 GMT (1126 HKT) July 1, 2022

The two sports powerhouses would increase the Big Ten to 16 teams.

(CNN)In a seismic shift to the collegiate sports landscape, the two Southern California powerhouse universities — UCLA and USC — said Thursday they are leaving the Pac-12 Conference for the Big Ten Conference at the start of the 2024-25 season.

Both universities announced their intentions to swap conferences in separate statements on Thursday. The Pac-12 said it was «extremely surprised and disappointed» by the move.They will be joining a conference with the likes of the University of Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State, creating a 16-member conference to rival the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Read MoreLess than a year ago, a similar move shook the college football world when the Universities of Texas and Oklahoma accepted invitations to join the SEC from the Big 12.According to USC, the Big Ten voted to accept both universities as members effective August 2, 2024.The shift has major implications for upcoming media rights agreements. USC says it will see out its current deal with the Pac-12 until it expires in 2024. Ohio State University wins trademark for the word 'THE'«Ultimately, the Big Ten is the best home for USC and Trojan athletics as we move into the new world of collegiate sports,» USC Athletic Director Mike Bohn said in a statement. «We also will benefit from the stability and strength of the conference; the athletic caliber of Big Ten institutions; the increased visibility, exposure, and resources the conference will bring our student-athletes and programs; and the ability to expand engagement with our passionate alumni nationwide.»UCLA's statement noted increased NIL opportunities