The University of Colorado is returning to the Big 12 Conference after 13 years as a member of the PAC-12.
Rumors surfaced earlier this week and were quickly confirmed by the Action Network on Wednesday night. The university’s Board of Regents scheduled an emergency meeting for Thursday afternoon, where representatives unanimously approved the motion to return to its former conference.
“After careful thought and consideration, it was determined that a switch in conference would give CU Boulder the stability, resources, and exposure necessary for long-term future success in a college athletics environment that is constantly evolving,” a joint statement from Chancellor Philip DiStefano and Athletic Director Rick George read.
“The Big 12’s national reach across three time zones as well as our shared creative vision for the future we feel makes it an excellent fit for CU Boulder, our students, faculty, and alumni. These decisions are never easy, and we’ve valued our 12 years as proud members of the Pac-12 Conference. We look forward to achieving new goals while embarking on this exciting next era as members of the Big 12 Conference. ”
“The Board of Regents unanimously agreed to grant the University of Colorado Boulder authority to enter into an agreement with the Big 12 conference,” Board of Regents Chair Callie Rennison added in an official press release. “Being a part of the Pac 12 has been wonderful for Boulder athletics, and we appreciate all the conference has done for our student-athletes.
“We are pleased that CU Boulder will return to the Big 12 for athletics competition,” she continued. “We are thankful for the due diligence and time put in by Chancellor DiStefano and Athletics Director George, and we appreciate President Saliman bringing their conference affiliation recommendation to the Board of Regents. We look forward to seeing Buff athletics achieve great things on and off the fields of play.”
Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011 after 14 years in the Big 12 but has struggled since the move. The Buffaloes are coming off a 1-11 season and have turned to former Dallas Cowboy, Deion Sanders, to turn around the program.
The Buffaloes open their final season in the Pac-12 on the road against current Big 12 member TCU on Saturday, September 2.
The addition of Colorado gives the conference 13 teams for the 2024-25 season and, according to the Action Network, is looking to add more.
