[OutsiderFan]

I don't know the specifics of what UCLA's media rights are worth, but it is a fact that UCLA staying in the Pac adds more money to the Pac's revenue potential that will help Cal. Combined with the travel concerns and lukewarm alumni support, plus people higher up the org chart not wanting a precedent for the their direct reports getting them into unapproved contracts, there is reason for them to say no.

This would be ugly, but it is possible for the UC President to contact the Big Ten and say unless you take Cal, we're not allowing UCLA to leave.  I don't know, but if UCLA doesn't go to B1G, would USC want to go? 

Oregon and Washington's boards could require Oregon State and Washington State to be included if they were to be invited to B1G too.

But yes, it's always about money in some form or fashion.

[OutsiderFan]

I don't know the specifics of what UCLA's media rights are worth, but it is a fact that UCLA staying in the Pac adds more money to the Pac's revenue potential that will help Cal. Combined with the travel concerns and lukewarm alumni support, plus people higher up the org chart not wanting a precedent for the their direct reports getting them into unapproved contracts, there is reason for them to say no.

This would be ugly, but it is possible for the UC President to contact the Big Ten and say unless you take Cal, we're not allowing UCLA to leave.  I don't know, but if UCLA doesn't go to B1G, would USC want to go? 

Oregon and Washington's boards could require Oregon State and Washington State to be included if they were to be invited to B1G too.

But yes, it's always about money in some form or fashion.