Report: Pac-12, Big Ten, ACC Hold ‘High-Level Discussions’ On Potential Alliance

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pac-12 Conference held “high-level discussions” with the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast on a potential alliance, according to The Athletic.

National college football reported Max Olson reported the news on Friday, August 13.

“The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 are engaging in high-level discussions about an alliance, sources tell @TheAthletic. Not just scheduling but potentially broader cooperation going forward,” Olson tweeted.

The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 are engaging in high-level discussions about an alliance, sources tell @TheAthletic. Not just scheduling but potentially broader cooperation going forward. Story: https://t.co/TYqct974Zr

— Max Olson (@max_olson) August 14, 2021

The weeks long discussions reportedly involved a “scheduling alliance” and “broader cooperation” between the three conferences.

“I’ve been in frequent and regular contact with all of the other A5 commissioners the last few weeks about the four or five complex issues that are facing our industry,” Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff told ESPN. “Anything beyond that is just speculation, and I can’t comment on it.”

The new Pac-12 leader recently posted a photo on social media of himself and Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren.

Celebrating the ⁦⁦@rosebowlgame⁩ with my friend and colleague ⁦@KevinFWarren⁩ (⁦@bigten⁩) pic.twitter.com/aTBtrZJ6Sb

— George Kliavkoff (@Kliavkoff) August 13, 2021

The report comes a few short weeks after Big 12 Conference powers Texas and Oklahoma bolted for the Southeastern Conference.

“This is their shot right back at the SEC,” an athletic director told The Athletic of the discussions between the Pac-12, Big Ten, and ACC.

A source told ESPN that the possible alliance is its “early stages and could “create stability” for programs without moving conferences in this climate of realignment.

The first Pac-12 football game kicks off on August 28.