Move follows Gov. Newsom’s response to UCLA and USC’s move to leave the conference
By Dolores Quintana
UCLA announced on June 30 that they would remain with the Pac Ten conference for only two more years and then join the Big Ten Conference beginning in the 2024-2025 season.
UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block said, “Entry into the Big Ten will also help ensure that UCLA preserves and maintains all 25 current teams and more than 700 student-athletes in our program. Additionally, it means enhanced resources for all of our teams, from academic support to mental health and wellness. And although this move increases travel distances for teams, the resources offered by Big Ten membership may allow for more efficient transportation options. We would also explore scheduling accommodations with the Big Ten that best support our student-athletes academic pursuits.”
It was during the UC Regents meeting that Governor Gavin Newsom made a statement regarding UCLA’s decision to leave the Pac Ten for the Big Ten Conference, as quoted by The Los Angeles Times from a statement, Governor Newsom said, “The first duty of every public university is to the people — especially students/ UCLA must clearly explain to the public how this deal will improve the experience for all its student-athletes, will honor its century-old partnership with UC Berkeley, and will preserve the histories, rivalries, and traditions that enrich our communities.”
Private college USC will also be leaving the Pac Ten for the Big Ten Conference, but as a private college, they are not required to answer to scrutiny from the UC Board of Regents. UC Berkely is the only other California public college that will remain in the conference and it is assumed that they will take a hit once UCLA departs for the Big Ten conference financially.
After that meeting, the UC Board of Regents, of which Governor Newsom is an ex officio member, made a request that the UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., and the UC Office of the President (UCOP) should conduct and present a report about this issue. The report would review the following questions:
- An assessment of the effect that UCLA joining the Big Ten would have on UCLA and other UC campuses’ culture, operations, and finances.
- An analysis of the effects of a change in conference membership on UCLA’s student-athletes, including how the campus plans to address issues related to travel, competition schedules, and academic support.
- A review of the Regents’ delegations of authority as it pertains to athletics operations and recommendations on any updates in policy deemed necessary to ensure proper oversight of major athletics-related decisions.
The UCOP is required to present its findings and any recommendations by August 17.
