The Pac-12 is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of universities located in the western part of the country. Founded in 1915, it originally started as the Pacific Coast Conference and later rebranded to its current name in 2011. The conference is known for its strong academic institutions and competitive sports programs, particularly in football and basketball. The Pac-12 includes 12 member schools, such as UCLA, USC, and Stanford. These universities compete in various sports at the NCAA Division I level. The conference is also recognized for its commitment to student-athlete welfare and academic achievement, promoting a balance between athletics and education.