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Kyle Bonagura
Texas State has formally joined the Pac-12, the convention introduced Monday, turning into the league’s ninth member forward of its relaunch in 2026.
“We’re extraordinarily excited to welcome Texas State as a foundational member of the brand new Pac-12,” commissioner Teresa Gould mentioned in a press release. “It’s a new day in faculty sports activities and essentially the most opportune time to launch a brand new league that’s positioned to achieve at the moment’s panorama with student-athletes in thoughts.”
Texas State’s board of regents voted to authorize a $5 million buyout to Solar Belt Convention early Monday. The Bobcats will stay within the Solar Belt Convention by way of the 2025-26 season earlier than becoming a member of the Pac-12 in all sports activities for the 2026-27 faculty yr.
The Pac-12 wanted to succeed in eight football-playing colleges to succeed in the NCAA minimal for a convention previous to the 2026 season.
The convention’s board of administrators, which incorporates representatives from all present and future members, voted unanimously to confess Texas State following the college’s formal software. Texas State joins Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State and Washington State as members of the rebuilt league.
Texas State president Kelly Damphousse referred to as the transfer “a historic second” for the college.
“Becoming a member of the Pac-12 is greater than an athletic transfer — it’s a declaration of our rising nationwide profile, our dedication to excellence, and our readiness to compete and collaborate with a few of the most revered establishments within the nation,” Damphousse mentioned.
Athletic director Don Coryell echoed that sentiment, calling the chance “a brand new period.”
“This historic second belongs to our coaches, workers, student-athletes, followers, alumni and college students,” Coryell mentioned. “Because the Pac-12’s flagship faculty in Texas, we proudly embrace the chance and accountability that comes with it.”
The long-awaited announcement comes on the heels of the Pac-12’s announcement final week that it had finalized a five-year agreement with CBS for a portion of the convention’s soccer and males’s basketball media rights, together with each sports activities’ championship recreation. Further media companions are anticipated to be introduced within the coming weeks.