As the Pac-12 prepares to find a new media-rights partner — with USC and UCLA leaving for the Big Ten in 2024 — University of Arizona president Robert Robbins has thrown cold water on reports that the conference has finalized a new Grant of Rights agreement.
Multiple reports claim the remaining 10 schools will be following the ACC’s lead in moving to a performance-based payout system for postseason revenue when the College Football Playoff expands to 12 teams in 2024, while still sharing media-rights revenue equally.
“I have not been informed about any of the information,” Robbins told “The Paul Finebaum Show.” He added that he was “looking forward to hearing from my own commissioner” if there’s a deal.
The reported agreement could keep big Pac-12 brands like Oregon and Washington happy as conference realignment continues to disrupt college sports, as seen in Colorado’s strong links toward joining the Big 12.
With the Pac-12 currently receiving $250 million annually from ESPN and Fox, schools reportedly want to see that number increase to $300 million in order to rule out leaving the conference. The Pac-12 most recently brought in $580.9 million in total annual revenue, ranking fourth among the Power 5 conferences.
The impending Grant of Rights agreement, which wouldn’t take place until a new media partner is signed, also reportedly lays out details for how the Pac-12 plans to split up selling sponsorships on a conference level and on a school-to-school basis.
