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In a letter to the University of California’s Board of Regents, Thursday before a closed door discussion UCLAPac-12 commissioner George Klivekoff cited “significant concerns” over the proposed move to the Big Ten conference, including the move’s impact on student-athletes’ mental health, travel and operating costs, and negative impacts on both Cal’s revenue. and the UC system’s climate goals.
Klivacoff’s letter was submitted in response to a request from the governors for the conference’s comment on UCLA’s action, a source said.
“Despite all explanations given after the fact, UCLA’s decision to join the Big Ten was financially motivated after UCLA’s athletic department accumulated more than $100 million in debt over the past three fiscal years,” Kliavkoff said.
He said the increased UCLA revenue would be fully offset by higher costs from additional travel, the need for competitive salaries in the Big Ten and game guarantee costs.
“UCLA currently spends approximately $8.1 million annually in travel expenses for its teams to compete in the Pac-12 Conference,” Klovkoff said. “UCLA would increase its team travel costs 100% if it flew in the Big Ten ($8.1 million per year increase), 160% if it spent half the time ($13.1 million per year) and 290% if it hosted every flight ($23 million per year increase).
Klivekoff did not say how those figures were calculated or whether there was any real belief that UCLA would consider charter travel for teams other than football and basketball.
According to a source familiar with UCLA’s internal estimates, the school is working with the Pac-12 in the Big Ten, which is expected to cost $6-10 million more per year.
Moving to the Big Ten, Kliavkoff speculated, would also make UCLA spend more on salaries to conform to conference rules. UCLA estimates that its athletic department would need to increase its payroll by about $15 million in order for the university to reach the Big Ten average.
“Any financial gains UCLA would get from joining the Big Ten would go to airline and charter companies, managers and coaches’ salaries and other recipients, rather than providing additional resources to student-athletes,” Klevkoff said.
A UCLA spokeswoman declined comment.
Former Ohio State President Michael V. Drake by A An interview with the New York Times“There are no decisions. I think everyone is gathering information. It’s an evolving situation.”
Beyond the financial impact to UCLA, which is widely understood to be the main reason for the proposed move, Kliavkoff said it would also affect Cal, part of the UC system. With media rights negotiations underway, Klevkoff said it was difficult to reveal the exact impact without disclosing confidential information, but he did confirm that the Pac-12 has solicited bids with and without UCLA.
In addition to the increased travel funding, Klivekoff said “media studies published by the National Institutes of Health, studies conducted by the NCAA and discussions with our own student-athlete leaders” indicated the move would have a negative impact on student-athletes. “Take away from their mental health and academic pursuits. Facing cross-country trips to see UCLA teams play can be a burden on families and alumni,” he added.
Ultimately, Kliavkoff said the increased travel is inconsistent with the UC System’s climate goals and UCLA’s commitment to “climate neutrality” by 2025.
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