SAN FRANCISCO —
Kliavkoff’s comments follow his continued promotion of the Pac-12’s future without USC and UCLA, while also questioning the collective value of the change for the Trojans and Bruins.
Last month, he sent a letter to the University of California system regents that stated UCLA’s move to the Big Ten would create financial challenges for the Bruins. He reiterated those claims Wednesday without providing specific numbers.
According to reports, UCLA will reap an eight-figure gain annually when it joins the Big Ten.
“We believe that between the travel and coaches’ salaries and some of the other expenses that you incur when you join the Big Ten, that the small delta in the [Big Ten] media rights deal will be more than offset and we stand by those numbers,” Kliavkoff said.
Oregon men’s basketball coach Dana Altman said he’s “disappointed” by USC and UCLA leaving the Pac-12, noting that the Los Angeles market has been important for recruiting and the league’s overall prominence.
“There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” Altman said Wednesday. “It’s not good for our league. But we’ll survive. We’ve got 10 good teams. It’s our challenge to improve.”
