The state of Arizona that follows Arizona to that conference is not considered. Oddly enough, Arizona is +900 to leave the Pac-12 to go to the Big Ten. Where will Arizona schools end up in the conference realignment, if they drop out of Pac-12? The state of Arizona that follows Arizona to that conference is not viewed as favorably, as ASU is at +4900 to follow USC and UCLA to the Big Ten. Now, Arizona is in a unique position, where you need to see if you want it and who wants it.
Don't expect Arizona to be one of them, even though it has the AAU accreditation that the Big Ten prefer. The Big 12 are engaged in in-depth discussions to add several Pac-12 programs as a way to shore up their membership after the defection of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, sources tell CBS Sports. With rumors that the Big Ten could go after more schools, it's very likely that some, if not all, come from Pac-12. Arizona, the state of Arizona, Colorado and Utah were specifically mentioned as the teams attacked by the Big 12, according to sources from CBS Sports. However, a source familiar with the negotiations said that doesn't necessarily mean that the Pac-12 will all be together in three months.
A partnership would give Kliavkoff something solid to sell to Pac-12 members and would help solve the Pac-12 Networks distribution problem at the conference. Since Oklahoma and Texas announced their plan to go to the SEC a year ago, the Big 12 have recovered very well. Pac-12 and the ACC have not discussed a merger but rather a broadcasting partnership that would include a shared media rights agreement with ESPN. Speculation surrounding ASU, Arizona and the future of the Pac-12 Conference will surely continue to increase in the coming days.
Thamel wrote that the new Big 12 commissioner, Brett Yormark, has expressed interest in the four Pac-12 South schools through secondary channels. Arizona schools are two hours apart and present Phoenix as a major market acquisition for the conference. Bet Arizona recently released hypothetical odds of where you'll see Arizona's two Pac-12 schools finish in the next few years and they have some differences. If you're the big 12, you want those Arizona schools to be together, and that's why I think it would be difficult for Arizona to move.
