For months now, we have waited to see who the Pac-12 would sign their TV rights for Football and Basketball. It is starting to look increasingly likely that Amazon or Apple TV+ may be 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.
Now ESPN is reporting that a media deal for the Pac-12 is expected soon, and it will be a mix of streaming and traditional broadcast networks. How soon is unknown, as Yahoo Sports reporter Ross Dellenger says it won’t be this week.
ESPN, FOX, and other networks haven’t rushed to pick up Pac-12’s content, especially since both USC and UCLA left the conference. Recently CBS Sports reported that the “Pac-12 remains confident it will land TV media rights deal with a major carrier,” possibly with NBCUniversal.
Earlier this year, there were reports that Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ are the leaders for the Pac-12 TV deal. 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.
There are also been reports that The CW was interested in getting some of the TV rights, but exactly how that will work out is unknown at this time. Recently The CW struck a deal with the ACC to air a handful of football and basketball games. Adding a handful from the Pac-12 could help it expand its fast-growing CW sports brand.
Recently sports TV rights have become highly sought after as sports are one of the last remaining programming options that people watch live. Sports are also seen by streaming services as a way to attract new subscribers that may not have otherwise subscribed to their service.
Media rights deals for football and basketball are scheduled to begin in 2024. For now, we will have to wait and see who wins the Pac-12 media rights deal.