Pac-12 commissioner blasts UCLA’s move to Big Ten as attempt to clear up ‘$100 million in debt’

The commissioner of the Pac-12 is attempting to block UCLA’s move to the Big Ten in 2024 and blasted the university in a letter sent this week to the University of California Board of Regents.

On Thursday, the New York Times broke the news that Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff sent a three-page letter to the board of regents “to provide facts and context” on how UCLA’s switch to the Big Ten conference will affect the conference and university’s student-athletes in the years to come. In June, it was first reported that both UCLA and USC — two legendary programs in the Pac-12 — had begun the process to leave for the Big Ten in 2024.

In the scathing letter, Kliavkoff wrote Bruins’ decision to move their sports programs, after being in the conference since 1928, “will damage the fabric, century-old history, rivalries and familial ties of the Pac-12.”

The letter breaks down why it hopes the board can overturn the decision into five categories, including the “hardship for the families of UCLA student-athletes,” the “significant negative impact on UCLA expenses,” and the “significant negative impact on Pac-12, and by extension” on UC Berkley revenue.

Pac-12 commish: Big Ten move will increase UCLA’s expenses