• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Want a chance to win $250? Take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us improve with your feedback! Take the Survey

Big 12 Presses Media Rights Negotiations, But Formal Status Unclear

  • The conference will explore its next media contract earlier than originally planned.
  • The decision is likely motivated by conference realignment.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Big 12 begins the arms race a bit early for the most valuable resource in the Power 5 — media rights revenue — continues.

On Wednesday, the Big 12 announced that it will begin talks with current partners FOX and ESPN earlier than planned. 

In a statement to Front Office Sports, however, ESPN cautioned that the discussions are not necessarily formal. “We regularly engage in conversation around the future with all of our partners, but to be clear, we have not opened the contractual negotiation window with the Big 12 at this time,” the network said.

The Big 12 is motivated by conference realignment. 

  • The Big 12’s existing media rights deal is slightly more lucrative than those of the Pac-12 and ACC, but lagging severely behind the Big Ten and SEC.
  • The current deal, which extends until 2025, contributed to payouts of around $38 million per school in 2020, per tax returns.

If the Big 12 can get an indication of its worth when it loses Texas and Oklahoma but gains four other members, it may strengthen the conference’s position.

Race With Pac-12

Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff previously said the conference had begun media rights negotiations earlier than expected. The Pac-12’s contract, though less lucrative than the Big 12, ends in 2024. If the conference can beat the Big 12 to a new deal, it might have an edge in conference realignment.

New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is likely trying to prevent that.

“Given the changing landscape, we welcome the opportunity to engage with our partners to determine if an early extension is in the best interest of all parties,” Yormark said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Amazon-Thursday-Night-Football

How International Sports Streaming Rights Is ‘Trench Warfare’ Now

Netflix’s WWE deal could be a template for other leagues looking to go global.

Deion Sanders Gets $100,000 Bonus for Every Remaining Colorado Win

Sanders has reportedly made $400,000 in bonuses, with another $100,000 for every additional win.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?
Surrounded by family members and supporters, Donald Trump makes his acceptance speech at his Election Night Watch Party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center after being elected the 47th President of the United States November 5, 2024.

Republicans Won Big in the 2024 Election. So Did the NCAA

“It’s a bad day to be a college athlete,” one staffer says.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Will Drew Brees Return to Broadcasting?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

NBA Cup Opener Sees Big Ratings Boost As Star Power Dominates

Viewership was up 71% for the first day of the Emirates NBA Cup games.
November 14, 2024

Bob Iger Calls ESPN’s Upcoming Flagship the Best Sports Product Ever

The full, streaming version of ESPN will feature a wide array of advanced features.
November 14, 2024

DSG to Emerge From Bankruptcy: New Game Plan, MLB Deals in Place

The regional sports network operator gains court approval to emerge from Chapter 11 protection.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 13, 2024

MLB Withdraws Objection, Clearing DSG’s Path Out of Bankruptcy

The swift reversal will likely aid confirmation of the RSN operator’s reorganization plan.
November 13, 2024

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.
November 13, 2024

DSG Introduces NBA, NHL Single-Game Streaming Despite Bankruptcy

The regional sports network operator introduces single-game view options for its NBA and NHL teams.
November 12, 2024

NBA’s Declining Viewership Gets Steph Curry Bump

Last Wednesday’s Warriors-Celtics game averaged 2.14 million viewers.