California Gov. Gavin Newsom demands UCLA explain publicly how leaving Pac-12 for Big Ten is beneficial

In the wake of UCLA’s departure to the Big Ten alongside USC, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he demands an explanation, on behalf of the public, for just how the move will be beneficial for not just student-athletes but the history of the Bruins’ partnership with UC Berkeley.

“The first duty of every public university is to the people — especially students,” Newsom said, according to the Los Angeles Times, at Wednesday’s meeting of the University of California Board of Regents in San Francisco. “UCLA must clearly explain to the public how this deal will improve the experience for all its student-athletes, will honor its century-old partnership with UC Berkeley, and will preserve the histories, rivalries, and traditions that enrich our communities.”

UCLA said it would not comment on Newsom’s remarks on Wednesday.

The announcement by UCLA and USC last month that they would move to the Big Ten in 2024 was a shock to the college football world, as it strengthened one conference and left the Pac-12 and its members in a vulnerable position. The Pac-12 has since announced it is willing to expand and will begin negotiations for a new media rights agreement. While USC is a private institution, UCLA’s status as a public school raised eyebrows regarding the move as a school under the University of California system.

“I read about it. Is it a good idea? Did we have a chance to discuss the merits [of the decision]?” Newsom told Fox 11 Los Angeles last week. “I’m not aware anyone did. So it was done in isolation. It was done without regental oversight or support. It was done without any consideration to my knowledge.”

The University of California said decisions related to athletics are executed at the campus level.

“UCLA leadership informed [University of California] President [Dr. Michael] Drake that discussions between UCLA and the Big Ten were occurring but he was not involved at all in those discussions or in any negotiations,” a…