On Friday, the Pac-12 issued the following statement regarding the future of the conference in light of the news of UCLA and USC leaving for the Big Ten:

The Pac-12 Board of Directors met this morning and authorized the Conference to explore all expansion options. The 10 university presidents and chancellors remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of our student-athletes.

On Thursday, just hours after the shocking news was confirmed, the Pac-12 issued this statement:

While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC today, we have a long and storied history in athletics, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that we’re confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future. The Pac-12 is home to many of the world’s best universities, athletic programs and alumni, representing one of the most dynamic regions in the United States. We’ve long been known as the Conference of Champions, and we’re unwavering in our commitment to extend that title. We will continue to develop new and innovative programs that directly benefit our member institutions, and we look forward to partnering with current and potential members to pioneer the future of college athletics together.

I already have written up an in-depth look at what this all means for the Pac-12 and what it means for Stanford. If you have not already read that, you can do so here.

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