IOWA CITY, Iowa
The Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously Thursday to admit the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California to the Big Ten Conference effective August 2, 2024. Competition will begin for all conference sports in the 2024-25 academic year. University of Iowa leaders made the following statements in support of the addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference.
“The addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten will enhance the conference’s existing comprehensive excellence in academics, research, and athletics. I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to Iowa City and the UI campus.”
-UI President Barbara Wilson
The addition marks the first expansion since Maryland and Rutgers joined the conference in 2014 and will increase Big Ten membership to 16 schools. The Big Ten is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the United States. For more info read the B1G Statement
“We are excited about the addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference. Both institutions fit our department’s “Win. Graduate. Do it right” culture. There are many logistics to work out over the coming months, and we are eager to begin the process.”
-Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Gary Barta