Texas State gets formal offer join the Pac-12 in 2026, boosting the rebranded conference to eight FBS teams and securing a new media deal with CBS through 2031
In a move that could reshape the landscape of college athletics, Texas State University has received a formal invitation to join the Pac-12 Conference starting in 2026, a landmark moment for the rebranding of one of the most storied conferences in college sports. The addition of Texas State is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the Pac-12, boosting its presence and ensuring its competitiveness both on the field and in the rapidly evolving world of sports media rights.
This strategic expansion is expected to position the Pac-12 as a formidable player in college football and basketball, two of the nation’s most-watched sports. The decision to add Texas State is part of a larger plan to secure a new media deal with CBS that will run through 2031. The deal, valued at over $1 billion, promises to elevate the conference’s media presence, expand its geographic footprint, and ensure its long-term sustainability in an era where television rights and media partnerships are central to the financial health of college sports programs.
Texas State’s inclusion in the Pac-12 represents a significant milestone for both the university and the conference. It marks a significant departure from the Pac-12’s traditional landscape, which historically included teams from the West Coast. By expanding to Texas, one of the nation’s largest and most passionate college football markets, the conference is poised to take advantage of a new wave of viewership, revenue, and recruiting potential.
The Pac-12 Conference has long been a powerhouse in both college football and college basketball, but in recent years, it has faced significant challenges. In particular, the conference has struggled with a perception problem, as its teams have often been left out of major playoff and bowl games, and its television ratings have been overshadowed by conferences like the SEC and Big Ten. Additionally, the Pac-12 had lost some of its marquee teams in recent years, as schools like USC, UCLA, and Washington sought new homes in the Big Ten, prompting concerns about the long-term viability of the conference.
To counteract this trend, the Pac-12 has embraced a rebranding effort, which includes adding new teams, improving its television ratings, and securing media deals that can give its teams the exposure they need to compete at the highest level. The formal invitation to Texas State is the first major move in this rebranding strategy. The decision reflects a shift in priorities for the conference, as it aims to tap into new markets, particularly in Texas, a state that has a rich football tradition and an enthusiastic fan base.
By adding Texas State, the Pac-12 not only expands its geographical reach but also diversifies its membership to include an up-and-coming program with significant potential for growth. Texas State is already a respected institution in the state of Texas, and its football program has been on the rise in recent years, making it a perfect fit for the conference’s expansion goals.
Founded in 1899, Texas State University is located in San Marcos, Texas, a growing city that is quickly becoming a hotspot for young talent, entrepreneurs, and college sports fans. The university’s football program has had its share of ups and downs over the years, but it has been consistently improving, with notable victories in recent seasons and a strong recruiting presence in the state.
For much of its history, Texas State played at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level, but the school made the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2012, joining the Sun Belt Conference. In the years since, the Bobcats have gradually built a reputation as a rising program, steadily increasing their win totals and improving their recruiting pipeline. Under the leadership of head coach Jake Spavital, Texas State has shown promise and is poised for a breakthrough.
One of the most significant factors in Texas State’s decision to join the Pac-12 is its potential for growth. With the new media deal with CBS and the added visibility that comes with playing in one of the Power Five conferences, the university’s football program will be able to elevate its recruiting, attract higher-caliber talent, and improve its facilities. The opportunity to play on a national stage alongside elite programs like Oregon, Utah, and Stanford will undoubtedly give Texas State a chance to compete at the highest level of college football.
Additionally, the university’s basketball program has also shown improvement in recent years. By joining the Pac-12, Texas State will be able to compete in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the nation, gaining exposure and the ability to recruit top-tier talent to its basketball program.
The new media rights deal with CBS is a game-changer for the Pac-12 and its member schools. College athletics, particularly football and basketball, are big business, and the ability to secure lucrative media rights deals is essential to the long-term financial health of a conference. The deal with CBS, worth over $1 billion, will allow the Pac-12 to broadcast its games on national television, giving the conference exposure to a much wider audience and increasing the revenue generated by its media rights.
The CBS Sports Network, which has been a significant player in the college sports television landscape, will broadcast a wide range of Pac-12 events, including football and basketball games. CBS also plans to air Pac-12 games on its flagship network, which has the potential to bring millions of new viewers to the conference.
For Texas State, this deal represents a significant opportunity to increase its visibility and attract new fans. The Bobcats will now be featured on national television in front of a larger audience, allowing the school to build its brand and increase recruitment opportunities. The added exposure could also bring in more sponsorships, boosting the program’s revenue and ensuring its long-term sustainability in the Pac-12.
Moreover, the Pac-12’s media deal with CBS extends through 2031, providing the conference with financial stability and a clear path forward. The increased revenue will allow for better facilities, improved support for athletes, and a more competitive environment overall, benefiting all the teams in the conference, including Texas State.
Texas State’s move to the Pac-12 is expected to have a significant impact on the university, the conference, and the broader college sports landscape. For Texas State, the benefits are clear: increased national exposure, better recruiting opportunities, and access to a more competitive environment. The university’s athletic programs will have the chance to compete against some of the nation’s top teams, increasing their prestige and visibility.
For the Pac-12, the addition of Texas State signals a new direction for the conference, one that includes geographic expansion and a focus on diversifying its membership. The addition of Texas State also strengthens the conference’s presence in the Lone Star State, one of the most important college football markets in the country. The move into Texas allows the Pac-12 to compete with other conferences, such as the Big 12 and SEC, for recruits and media dollars, as Texas is home to many top-tier high school football players.
The new media deal with CBS is a key part of this strategy. By increasing the conference’s exposure through national broadcasts and offering a significant financial investment, CBS ensures that the Pac-12 will remain competitive in the rapidly changing landscape of college sports. With the new deal in place, the Pac-12 will be able to invest in its athletic programs, upgrade its facilities, and attract more elite talent to the conference.
As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Texas State’s inclusion in the Pac-12 represents a new era for both the university and the conference. The deal with CBS and the expanded footprint of the Pac-12 provide the foundation for future success. Texas State is now poised to compete at the highest level of college football, with all the benefits that come from being part of a prestigious Power Five conference.
For the Pac-12, the expansion to include Texas State represents an important step in its rebranding and long-term survival. The move helps to ensure that the conference remains a key player in the college sports ecosystem, both on the field and in the realm of media rights. As the Pac-12 continues to evolve, it will need to keep an eye on future opportunities to expand its footprint and remain competitive in an ever-changing sports landscape.
The future looks bright for Texas State and the Pac-12. With a new media deal, expanded membership, and the potential for increased national exposure, both are poised to thrive in the next chapter of college athletics. The 2026 transition will be a landmark year for both the Bobcats and the rebranded Pac-12, marking a significant shift in the balance of power in college sports.
