• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 5, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

The Big 12 Is Finally Getting a Conference Network

  • Big 12 Studios will focus on “storytelling” rather than game production.
  • It’s the conference’s “first-ever 24/7 channel,” according to commissioner Brett Yormark.
Kylie Graham-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Wild-Card Round Sets Ratings Record

The Mets and Brewers helped drive ESPN to record wild-card TV audiences.
OSU QB Terrelle Pryor

Terrelle Pryor Sues Ohio State As Group of Athletes Seeking NIL Back-Pay Grows

Reggie Bush, Michigan players, and NC State’s basketball team sued this year.
Former Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon

‘Sour Grapes’: Lawyers Battle Over Landmark Settlement to Pay College Athletes

The House settlement, arguably already on the rocks, faces another objection.
Shohei Ohtani

At Least Three People Claim Ownership of Ohtani 50/50 Ball in Lawsuits

Two lawsuits have been filed claiming ownership of the historic baseball.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The FOS Interview: NBA Champion Matt Barnes

0:00

Featured Today

MLB Gets the Shohei Ohtani Postseason Treatment. The Value Is Immense

The Japanese superstar finally makes his playoff debut Saturday.
The Cal mascot, Oski
October 2, 2024

How the Calgorithm Turned College Football Twitter Into Real Life

“College GameDay” makes its first trip to Berkeley on Saturday.
Apr 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; The cleats of Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) as he runs the bases against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park.
October 1, 2024

MLB Players Are Clamoring for Swag. Outfitting Them Is Big Business

Sliding mitts, cleats, and belts are fun, flashy, and lucrative.
Sep 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
September 30, 2024

The Padres’ Future Is on the Line This Postseason

The MLB playoffs could determine the team’s path forward.
Sep 16, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (25) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento State Raised $35 Million in One Day for Its NIL Collective

The so-called Sac-12 announced it had raised $35 million in NIL for the university.
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson
October 1, 2024

Pac-12, Mountain West Continue to Load Up With Gonzaga, UTEP Moves

The conferences, now rivals, have been at the center of the most recent wave.
October 1, 2024

Conference Realignment Continues

The Pac-12 and Mountain West keep making moves.
Sponsored

Trend Report: Chiefs-Chargers, Tobacco Road Rivalry, Nebraska Sellout Streak

According to data from TickPick, some games this week will prove to be wallet-busters, climbing into the four figures.
September 27, 2024

Pac-12, Mountain West Eye Expansion As Realignment Enters Next Phase

The conferences have been fighting each other for members.
September 27, 2024

UNLV Rebuffs Gambling Exec’s Offer To Pay Spurned QB $100K

UNLV lost its starting quarterback earlier this week in an NIL dispute.
Running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with teammates during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
September 26, 2024

House v. NCAA Lawyers Amend Settlement to Address Concerns About Boosters and NIL

Judge Claudia Wilken had concerns about the definition of the word “booster.”
September 26, 2024

Mountain West Schools Have Signed a Retention Deal

The seven members of the Mountain West signed an agreement to stay with the conference.