the Pac. Cal and Stanford have always punched above their weight in conference politics because of their proximity to HQ. I think that has impacted a lot of decisions and directions taken.

My guess is that the North Division is probably wanting oregon while the south wants Vegas.

Despite the above, I don't think that the rent is really that big of a deal in the big scheme of things. And the Pac doesn't pay taxes so its not like California taxes are hurting them that bad. The big issue would be whether the expense of living in SF Bay Area is hurting their ability to recruit people to work for HQ.