The Pac-12 Conference is reportedly poised to announce The CW as a key component of its upcoming media rights deal, set to take effect in 2026, according to a report by John Canzano. CBS will serve as the primary media partner under this five-year agreement, with The CW joining as a secondary partner, marking a continuation and expansion of their existing relationship. This move reflects the conference’s strategic efforts to rebuild and reimagine its brand following a period of transition, with a focus on forging transformative partnerships that extend beyond traditional media deals.
This comes as The CW has slowly been adding more and more sports turning itself into a major sports network under the ownership of Nexstar.
The Pac-12’s relationship with The CW began in 2024, when the network started airing games featuring Oregon State and Washington State, the conference’s two remaining members after a wave of realignments. This partnership proved successful, as evidenced by the 2024 matchup between the two schools, which drew 695,000 viewers in Week 13, making it the most-watched game on The CW that season. The network also broadcast ACC games during the same period, demonstrating its growing presence in college sports. For the 2025 season, The CW is already one of three networks—alongside ESPN and CBS—included in the Pac-12’s media deal, further solidifying its role in the conference’s future.
The Pac-12 is on the cusp of significant expansion. In 2026, the conference will welcome Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State as full members, bolstering its football offerings. Additionally, Gonzaga will join as a non-football member, and Dallas Baptist will participate as a baseball-only affiliate. This growth underscores the conference’s ambition to reestablish itself as a competitive force in college athletics. To showcase its evolving roster, The CW will air a “New Pac-12” doubleheader in September 2025, featuring Fresno State at Oregon State and San Diego State at Washington State, offering fans an early glimpse of the conference’s newcomers.
The 2026 media deal is designed to maximize visibility for the revitalized Pac-12. CBS will broadcast key games in primetime, including the annual Apple Cup between Washington State and Washington on September 20 at 8 p.m. ET, and a matchup between Washington State and Oregon State on November 4 at 8 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, The CW’s inclusion ensures broader coverage across multiple platforms, aligning with Commissioner Teresa Gould’s vision for innovative partnerships that elevate the conference’s profile. Reports also suggest TNT Sports has explored the possibility of airing Pac-12 basketball and football, hinting at further expansion of the conference’s media footprint. As the Pac-12 continues to rebuild, its strategic media alliances signal a bold step toward a dynamic and reimagined future.
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