Dan Patrick Slams UCLA's Money-Driven Departure to The Big 10

The UCLA Bruins are set to embark on a significant transition following the conclusion of the 2023 season. After an impressive 95-year run in the Pac-12 Conference, they have made the bold decision to make the switch to the Big Ten. While this move has generated excitement within the university, not everyone shares the same level of enthusiasm.

There is a palpable sense of anticipation among many individuals associated with UCLA as they view this move as necessary for the future success of the program. However, experts and pundits, including sports commentator and radio personality Dan Patrick, are less enthusiastic about the decision. Patrick openly expressed his disapproval, asserting that the move is primarily driven by financial motives.

DP shares more on the information he received about the possibilities of San Diego State, SMU, Boise State, and UNLV joining the PAC-12. pic.twitter.com/VWciAXLwfc
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 10, 2023

"They always talk about student athletes, you can't care about the student while caring about the athlete. You can't, because the travel that's going to be involved with all of those student athletes." Patrick addressed that money outweighs the distance in opponents both programs will face. "It's greed and that's why nobody can complain about anything anymore..."

In many ways, he is correct. UCLA, along with their cross-town rivals USC, are making this move due to the financial opportunities it presents.

The potential financial gains for UCLA are staggering. By joining the Big Ten, they stand to earn an estimated $80 million annually. This significant sum is made possible by the Big Ten's ongoing negotiations for new television contracts, which are expected to generate an unprecedented influx of cash. In fact, the Big Ten could become the first conference to secure a staggering $1 billion annually from its television deals. While money is undoubtedly a driving force behind every major decision in college sports, this move goes beyond simple financial considerations.

Still, Patrick showed that he is a man of tradition and prefers to see UCLA in the Pac-12.

"The old school in me...It's disappointing. I grew up with the Big Ten, I don't want UCLA and USC there. I liked them in the Pac-12, I liked watching them from afar, and the going "alright maybe in the Rose Bowl we'll get our but kicked like we always do when we went out there and faced USC.""

The benefits for UCLA extend beyond financial gains. On the field, the Bruins will face stiffer competition, which can help elevate their program to new heights. They will have the chance to compete against powerhouse football programs and forge new rivalries within the Big Ten. Off the field, the move opens doors to new recruiting territories and expands the university's brand nationwide.

While the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten may be met with skepticism by some, UCLA's decision to make this move is ultimately driven by the belief that it will position the program for sustained success. With the potential financial windfall and increased competitiveness, the Bruins hope to thrive in their new conference.

Adapt or die. That's the mentality UCLA is approaching, and it will work.