WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (Sports Network) - The University of Colorado has decided to leave the Big 12 Conference and will join the Pac-10.
Colorado will become the 11th member of the conference, which will expand for
the first time since July 1, 1978 when Arizona and Arizona State joined the
league.
It is probably just the initial step in a larger expansion of the Pac-10, as
multiple reports have indicated that the league may also extend invitations to
current Big 12 members Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma
State.
"This is an historic moment for the conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for
tremendous growth," said Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott in a release
Thursday. "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."
Colorado had been part of the Big 12 since its inception in 1996. The league
formed with members of the old Big 8 Conference, of which Colorado was
affiliated, and the Southwest Conference.
"The University of Colorado is a perfect match -- academically and
athletically -- with the Pac-10," said University of Colorado President Bruce
D. Benson. "Our achievements and aspirations match those of the universities
in the conference and we look forward to a productive relationship."
The dissolution of the Big 12 appears imminent. In addition to the Pac-10's
raid of the league, the Big Ten has also reportedly invited Nebraska to leave
the Big 12. That announcement will reportedly come Friday.