Cal is a member of which athletic conference?

Cal, officially known as the University of California, Berkeley, is a member of the Pac-12 Conference. This conference, which includes a number of other prominent universities primarily located in the western United States, is known for its competitive athletics, particularly in basketball and football.

The Pac-12 is significant in college athletics as it not only competes at a high level but also has a strong academic reputation, aligning with Cal's values as a prestigious research university. The membership in the Pac-12 allows Cal to face off against other major programs, enhancing its competitive landscape and providing exposure on a national level.

In contrast, the other conferences mentioned—the ACC, A-10, and Big 12—feature different institutions that do not include Cal. The ACC primarily comprises schools from the Atlantic Coast, the A-10 is known for its mid-major programs primarily located in the eastern United States, and the Big 12 includes teams mostly from the central United States. Hence, these options do not reflect Cal's actual conference affiliation.