For months, we have waited to see who the Pac-12 would sign their TV rights for Football and Basketball. The talks have hit several setbacks, first with USC along with UCLA announcing they will leave for the Big 10 next year and now Calorado leaving for the Big 12. Finally, though, we may learn what TV deal the Pac-12 will reach as soon as tomorrow.
This comes as Pac-12 media is exploding right now with reports that the Pac-12 will announce a heavily streaming focused TV deal with either Amazon or Apple TV airing most of the Pac-12 games, according to Jason Scheer in an interview today.
This is in line with earlier reports that the Pac-12 was looking mostly at Amazon or Apple TV+ as the new home of the Pac-12. This comes as ESPN has reportedly taken itself out of the running to maintain Pac-12’s primary media rights as the network has been looking into new deals. Though it may still pick up a few Pac-12 games.
ESPN and Fox currently have media rights deals for Pac-12 that will expire on July 1st, 2024. According to sources, ESPN is “taking a never-say-never approach when it comes to potential partners as negotiations continue,” and possibly could smaller package secondary rights to late-night Tier 1 games. However, reports have said that ESPN is not willing to pay a high price for the Pac-12. This has left the door open for streaming companies to come in and become the main option.
The reports that Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ are now leaders for the Pac-12 TV deal have been floating around since March. Apple TV looks to be the top contender for signing a contract for all Pac-12’s major games, however, Amazon could potentially still have the option to stream Friday night games. Negotiations are still taking place, leaving fans with only speculation as to how a future deal will play out.
Apple TV+ reportedly sees Pac-12 football and basketball as a way to help grow its streaming service. The Pac-12 could be offered in a very similar way to what we have seen with Apple TV+’s MLS deal.
There is also talk that The CW may also get some of the TV rights, but exactly how that will work out is unknown at this time. The CW has also recently reached a deal to air a handful of ACC football and basketball games. This would help it expand its sports brand that has recently reached deals with LIV Golf, NASCAR, and the WNBA.
This new media rights deal for Pac-12 football and basketball are scheduled to begin in 2024. For now, we will have to wait and see what happens and if Amazon or Apple TV+ will, as is being reported be a big winner for Pac-12 media rights.