The newly rebuilt Pac-12 could be one step closer to finding a home for its media rights package.
According to a report from Front Office Sports, the conference is “currently ongoing and in an ‘exploratory phase,'” with ESPN, FOX, and CBS about its next media deal. FOS sources described the conversations between the conference and networks as “productive,” but “it’s unclear how much interest each network has.”
In recent years, the Pac-12 has seen a massive shakeup that left the conference on life support. Dating back to 1959, the conference maintained all its members until 2024, when 10 of the 12 schools exited in search of greener pastures after the Pac-12 struggled to land a favorable media deal. This left the conference with two schools (Oregon State and Washington State) that signed a deal with FOX and The CW for the 2024 football season.
Looking towards the future, the Pac-12 is expanding to seven full members after adding five teams from the Mountain West Conference and non-football Gonzaga. These schools are set to join in 2026, however, to remain FBS eligible, the Pac-12 needs one more full-time FBS playing member. FOS reported that it’s “likely” a media deal will come before the conference adds its 8th FBS school.
As more streaming platforms continue to add sports to their lineups, predicting where the Pac-12’s media package is anyone’s game. Two of the three networks mentioned already have their own streaming services: Paramount+ (CBS), and ESPN+ (ESPN). Both could strengthen their portfolios with the rebuilt Pac-12 and attract more viewers and subscribers on the West Coast. Recently, ESPN extended its ACC media deal through 2036, and with talks of the standalone ESPN Flagship app launching later this year, the Pac-12 could capitalize.
Unlike the other two, FOX is launching a stand-alone streaming service later this year. An agreement with the Pac-12 could help drum up interest from potential subscribers as the service will emphasize live news and sports. FOX’s upcoming platform is attempting to reach audiences outside of traditional cable, which could make Pac-12 games attractive.
The networks and the Pac-12 declined to comment on the FOS story.
For now, fans of the Pac-12 will have to wait and see where the “Conference of Champions” lands.
[Credit: Front Office Sports]