• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Pac-12’s Immediate Future On Line As It Addresses Media Rights, Realignment

  • The Pac-12’s leaders met on Tuesday to discuss its uncertain future.
  • The Arizona board of regents is also meeting on Tuesday as its schools are targeted by the Big 12.
Pac-12 Conference Hires Its First Dedicated Head of Football Operations
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday is shaping up to be one of the most critical days in the history of the Pac-12. Conference presidents, chancellors, and athletic directors met to discuss a potential media-rights deal without coming to any official agreement, according to multiple reports.

The deal discussed was streaming heavy with Apple, according to ESPN, and with enough subscriptions could theoretically bring in more revenue than the Big 12’s $380 million annual deal with Fox and ESPN that kicks in next year. It could also be worth significantly less. The Pac-12 declined to comment to Front Office Sports.

While the group plans to meet again soon, the Arizona board of regents, which governs the University of Arizona and Arizona State, is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. ET — with the Arizona schools the presumed next targets for the Big 12, along with Utah.

With no media rights deal beyond the 2023-24 academic year, the Pac-12’s current members are:

  • Arizona
  • Arizona State
  • California
  • Colorado — rejoining the Big 12 in 2024
  • Oregon
  • Oregon State
  • Stanford
  • UCLA — moving to the Big Ten in 2024
  • USC — moving to the Big Ten in 2024
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Washington State

If agreed upon, a new media deal could entice the remaining nine schools to stay put and attract a 10th member or more. Until now, the Pac-12 has been “in never-never land,” a source recently commented to Front Office Sports — and a lack of progress on the media front could push more schools away.

If the Arizona schools are ready to jump ship, then Tuesday’s Pac-12 meeting could have been the last chance to convince them otherwise. 

Losing Arizona, ASU, and potentially Utah would decimate the conference and make schools like Oregon and Washington even bigger targets for the likes of the Big Ten and ACC.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start.

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.

Sorry, Sacramento: Your MLB Team Will Only Be Known As the Athletics 

The club’s new “brand transition guidelines” remove any reference to a place.

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

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.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
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.
November 4, 2024

New Era, New Chaos? New CFP Team Rankings Explained

The new College Football Playoff system’s complexities might confuse some college football fans.
Mar 24, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Cotie McMahon (32) walks to the bench during the first half of the women’s NCAA Tournament second round against the Duke Blue Devils at Value City Arena.
November 5, 2024

Due to Rule Change, NCAA Sports Will Be in Action on Election..

On Nov. 5 this year, NCAA sports will not go dark.
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.
Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
November 4, 2024

All Eyes on Cooper Flagg As College Basketball Tips Off

He makes his NCAA debut with Duke on Monday.
Apr 1, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) drives to the basket during the second half against UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the finals of the Portland Regional of the NCAA Tournament at the Moda Center.
November 4, 2024

Women’s College Basketball Begins Its Star-Studded Post–Caitlin Clark Era

Women outdrew the men in the championship with 18.9 million viewers.
Donald Trump
November 4, 2024

ESPN Will Drop First 12-Team CFP Rankings in Heart of Election Night

The network traditionally hasn’t shied away from going up against election coverage.
Eastern New Mexico forward Jose Murillo (33) passes the ball between Grand Canyon University forward Sammie Yeanay (23) and guard Makaih Williams (2) during an exhibition game at Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix on Oct. 29, 2024.
November 1, 2024

Grand Canyon University to Join Mountain West in 2026

The Mountain West has added three new schools after the Pac-12 poached five from the conference.