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.
