ROSEMONT, Ill. – The University of Oregon and the University of Washington have been unanimously voted by the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors (COP/C) to join the Big Ten Conference. Their membership will be effective from August 2, 2024, and they will begin competing in all sports for the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, both schools will become members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), which consists of prestigious research institutions dedicated to advancing their academic missions.
University of Oregon President John Karl Scholz expressed excitement about joining the nation’s preeminent academic-athletic conference. He believes that their student-athletes will now have the opportunity to participate at the highest level of collegiate athletic competition, while their alumni, friends, and fans can proudly represent the spirit of Oregon across the country.
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce shared similar sentiments, stating that the Big Ten’s strong athletic and academic traditions make it an ideal platform for their teams to compete on a national stage. She emphasized the importance of doing what is best for their student-athletes and the university, and sees this move as ensuring a strong future for their athletics program.
The COP/C Chair and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones expressed the council’s pleasure in welcoming the University of Oregon and the University of Washington to the Big Ten Conference. He highlighted the alignment of these schools with the member institutions in terms of academic, athletic, and research excellence. The council looks forward to collaborating and competing with them in the coming years.
Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens sees accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference as a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon. He believes that joining the conference will change the trajectory of their university and athletics department, providing stability and exposure that will benefit them. Oregon is grateful to the Big Ten presidents and chancellors for accepting their application.
Jennifer Cohen, Washington Director of Athletics, acknowledged the treasured history and traditions of the Pac-12 but emphasized the changing landscape of college athletics. She believes that the Big Ten’s history of success, both athletically and academically, along with its long-term stability, positions their teams for future success. Washington Athletics is energized and ready to compete against some of the best programs in the country.
In order for an institution to be admitted to the Big Ten Conference, they must submit a written application and receive approval from at least 70 percent of the Big Ten COP/C. The University of Oregon and the University of Washington submitted their applications and were unanimously approved.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti expressed excitement about welcoming the new members to the conference. He looks forward to building lasting relationships with the universities, administrators, staff, student-athletes, coaches, and fans. Petitti believes that the combination of academic and athletic excellence at both institutions makes them a great fit for the Big Ten’s future.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a prestigious research university and a member of the Association of American Universities. Its faculty includes renowned individuals who have received accolades such as Nobel Prizes and MacArthur fellowships. The university has a strong athletic program, with over 500 student-athletes competing in 20 sports and 38 national championships to their name.
About University of Washington Athletics
The University of Washington is home to one of the nation’s elite intercollegiate athletics programs, consisting of 22 sports. They have achieved success in various sports, including winning national championships. Their athletic program consistently ranks among the top schools in the nation in the NACDA Director’s Cup and the Pac-12 Conference.
Washington Athletics takes pride in inspiring champions both on the field and in the classroom. They lead by example, just like the region and world-class university they represent. With a commitment to providing a leading-edge student-athlete experience, Washington Athletics allows student-athletes to compete for NCAA and Pac-12 championships while working toward a degree from one of the world’s leading public research universities.
The Big Ten Conference (bigten.org) is an association of world-class universities. Founded in 1896, the conference prioritizes academics in the lives of their student-athletes and upholds the values of integrity, fairness, and competitiveness. The conference sponsors 28 official conference sports and provides significant financial support to thousands of students across its member institutions.
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