Pac-12: Analyzing the candidates for conference expansion
A different direction
Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV)
UNLV is an excellent fit for the Pac-12 geographically. Las Vegas is a rapidly growing city and a great media market. As of the 2020 census, Sin City is the 29th ranked media market in the USA, ahead of areas such as Memphis and New Orleans. By 2030, Vegas should be in the top 20.
Another thing Las Vegas has going for it is accessibility. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world. The Pac-12 already plays its football and basketball championships there. Adding UNLV solidifies their presence in the city. Very few would be surprised if the Pac-12 offices relocated to Vegas whether or not UNLV is a member.
As an athletic program, UNLV also adds value. The Running Rebels basketball program is very popular nationally. While football hasn’t made a dent on the national scene, they play home games at Allegiant Stadium. It’s a new domed facility the university shares with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brigham Young
If Brigham Young gets an invite into the Pac-12, there will be riots across several other conference campuses. As a religious-based school, their ideology doesn’t mesh well with the rest of the Pac-12. BYU isn’t a Tier 1 research school either. Finally, the Cougars’ non-football scheduling demands make them a challenge for any conference.
On the positive side, adding Brigham Young as a football-only member would be huge. BYU runs a perennially quality football program. They draw well anywhere they play. It can also be argued that Brigham Young might have the second largest fan base across the United States behind Notre Dame.
The annual Holy War Game against Utah would make for a great end of regular-season finale.
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— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 27, 2021