The University of Maryland supports the Big Ten Conference's announcement of the admission of the University of Oregon and University of Washington to the conference. Oregon and Washington have rich academic and athletic histories that align with our Big Ten colleagues.
Oregon and Washington are exemplary additions to the Big Ten. Both are members of the AAU and share a commitment to successful academic programs. They will assist with the integration of UCLA and USC from a geographic, branding and scheduling perspective.
With the schools' admission, Oregon and Washington will also join the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), a consortium of world-class research institutions dedicated to advancing their academic missions.
These moves highlight another step in the dynamic evolution of intercollegiate athletics. Conference realignment joins NIL, collectives, labor, media rights and many other issues that presidents and athletic directors all over the country continue to grapple with.
The University of Maryland is proud to be a part of the Big Ten. Joining the conference in 2014 put us on a path towards financial stability, academic and research collaboration, and the best competitive opportunities for our student-athletes anywhere in the country.
Today's news adding Oregon and Washington strengthens an already-premier conference and puts the University of Maryland in position to grow and prosper, and to compete at the very highest levels of intercollegiate athletics.
Darryll J. Pines, President, University of Maryland
Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, University of Maryland
