ACC, Pac-12 Reportedly in Talks for Las Vegas ‘Championship Game’

After last week’s shocking revelation that USC and UCLA will join the Big Ten in 2024, other conferences could be banding together to recoup their losses.

The ACC and Pac-12 are reportedly discussing a “loose partnership” that would see the two conferences play a “championship game” in Las Vegas, per CBS Sports.

Both conferences have a common media rightsholder in ESPN, so the proposal is seen as a way to increase the value of their common offering.

• The ACC’s deal with the sports network lasts through 2036.
• But the Pac-12’s — in addition to its contract with Fox — ends in 2024.

The departure of the two Southern California schools came at the worst possible time for the conference, with one sports TV executive describing it as a “disaster.” USC and UCLA’s exit will likely tank any hopes the conference had of significantly boosting its current $250 million-per-year deal.

Amid all of the turmoil, the Pac-12 announced that it is expediting its media rights negotiations to begin immediately.

Pac-12 No More?

The hypothetical title game could be over before it begins — six Pac-12 programs are reportedly in talks to join the Big 12.

If Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Washington defect, they would leave the conference with just four teams.