The Big 12 Is Finally Getting a Conference Network

The Big 12 was the only power conference without a league-specific network—until now.

On Friday, the conference announced the launch of Big 12 Studios. It won’t have the rights to live games and instead, it will produce content around games, athletes, and conference storylines. Created in conjunction with Raycom Sports, the channel will air both on platforms like YouTube and television networks in the conference’s local footprint. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Raycom Sports to launch the league’s first-ever 24/7 channel,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement. “Storytelling is at the forefront of everything we do and is a key part of our narrative and brand building efforts. Through Big 12 Studios, we have the capability to showcase our brand and deliver original programming to fans across the country.”

Big 12 Studios will add to the conference’s existing media offering: a $2.28 billion package with ESPN and Fox. 

The Big 12 Studios concept isn’t quite the same as those traditional networks.

Conference networks like the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten Networks have been around for more than a decade, and have become integral parts of broadcasting for Olympic sports and other live events, as well as focused coverage around the leagues at large. The ACC and SEC Networks are owned by ESPN, while the Big Ten Network is owned by Fox. Big 12 Studios will air game replays, but unlike its Power 4 counterparts, won’t have rights to air any live sports.

With all but two schools fleeing, the Pac-12 Networks rebranded as Pac-12 Enterprises this year. The plan for Pac-12 Enterprises is to create content and produce games for the soon-to-be six-member conference, as well as other leagues and teams in college and the pros. 

While not quite the same business model, Big 12 Studios is looking to accomplish a similar goal to Pac-12 Enterprises: a content entity that’s sustainable without relying on the traditional model of the other power conferences’ channels.