Utah saw an increase in hundreds of millions of dollars in research money after their inclusion in the PAC12. That money influences decisions...like conference affiliation. Utah was extended membership into the AAU in 2019. Funding at the University reached $686 million in 2022 (up from $515 million just 5 years ago and hundreds of millions more than when they entered the PAC). Those dollars contribute more than half a billion in wages and provide the University the opportunity to conduct important research, hire fantastic people, and recruit better students.

I know you don't care. I know your biased mind doesn't even let you consider the positive aspects of the U of U. But this type of stuff is quite significant and meaningful. And if their affiliation with other quality universities has helped to achieve these milestones, then leaving the conference for a few millions more per year isn't going to happen.