Cal could try to keep UCLA from joining the Big Ten

The Big Ten is set to bring in both USC and UCLA in 2024. It was a bombshell that was dropped on college football a few weeks ago that shook the entire landscape. Now the Big Ten will have teams that span from coast-to-coast. At least, that’s what they are hoping for.

It has now come out that the University of Cal might try to put a stop to UCLA joining the Big Ten. The board of regents is apparently looking into ways that could potentially keep the Bruins from leaving the Pac-12. Two members believe they have the authority to stop the move.

Now neither of those members has said that they will look to exercise that power, but all options are on the table. With the new Big Ten TV deal announced yesterday, UCLA would have more power to keep themselves in the Big Ten in a couple of years.

My guess is that the board of regents tries to force UCLA to pay their way out of the conference. They are going to want to be compensated, just like everyone always does for everything. My guess is that there will be some sort of settlement and that this all fades away.

It’s also unclear whether or not the board of regents is right. They may not even have the power to keep UCLA from leaving the Pac-12. It could just be a bluff to make UCLA scared. I’m not a lawyer, so I don’t know what specifics are in the bylaws of the conference membership.

In my opinion, nothing will stop both USC and UCLA from joining the Big Ten. The Ohio State football team will have two new conference opponents to play starting in 2024. The Buckeyes will be happy to face them too.