• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Despite Putting On A Brave Face, Pac-12 Scrambling For Relevance

  • Conference could face further member departures after loss of Colorado
  • Inability to close TV deal clouds outlook
Pac 12's future is in peril.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Pac-12 is putting on a brave face amid the University of Colorado’s departure to the Big 12.

But what will be left of the Pac-12 after another potential wave of college sports realignment — and will it even remain in the Power Five?

Already scuffling to finalize a media deal and solidify its remaining membership, the Pac-12 said it would “embrace expansion opportunities and bring new fans, markets, excitement, and value.” Colorado regent Lesley Smith boosted that vague sentiment by wishing the “Pac-12, Pac-10, whatever it is in the future — all the best.”

But the Pac-12 could face further attacks on its already tenuous standing. The Big 12 is now reportedly seeking to add the other three “Four Corners” schools — Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah, all current Pac-12 members — to join Colorado. The ACC is also looking to boost its standing with expansion — a move that could further distance itself financially from the Pac-12.

The Big Ten led Power Five conferences last year with $845.6 million in revenue, followed by the SEC’s $802 million, ACC’s $617 million, Pac-12’s $580.9 million, and Big 12’s $480.6 million. With the pending membership shifts, those numbers are about to change significantly.

The Pac-12’s long-running attempts to close a media deal are now further clouded by the conference’s inability to tell prospective rights buyers exactly which schools will or won’t be members.

“It’s a fair point, but those late [TV] windows do still have value. It’s a key asset the conference is bringing to the table,” Patrick Crakes, a longtime sports TV consultant with Crakes Media, told Front Office Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
Oregon Ducks inside linebacker Will Straton celebrates a stop as the Oregon Ducks host the Oregon State Beavers Sept. 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

CBS Eyes Breakthrough As Big Ten Ratings Still Lag Behind SEC

The network will air No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
October 12, 2025

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
October 10, 2025

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18
October 10, 2025

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.
October 9, 2025

What If UNC and Belichick Part Ways? The Buyout Structure Is …..

If Belichick is fired without cause in his last two seasons, UNC owes him nothing.