Pac-12 Delays Media Rights Deal Announcement at Football Media Day
In a surprising turn of events, the Pac-12 conference announced that the long-awaited media rights deal will not be unveiled at Friday’s football media day. A conference source revealed to The Athletic that recent developments in the negotiations have led to the delay.
According to the source, new parties have come to the negotiating table, significantly altering the dynamics of the deal. The patience displayed by the conference’s presidents and chancellors seems to be paying off as waiting for better offers has proven beneficial. The source added that there is currently no specific timetable for the announcement, but it is expected to happen in the near future.
This media rights deal has been highly anticipated, considering the current deals with ESPN, Fox, and the Pac-12 Networks are set to expire with the conclusion of the 2024 football season. However, the process has been ongoing for almost a year since commissioner George Kliavkoff first announced discussions for a new deal during the Pac-12’s 2022 football media day. Kliavkoff had emphasized that the negotiations would take several months to complete.
Over the past five months, administrators from various Pac-12 schools have indicated an impending timeline for the new deal, only to have those predictions fall short. The protracted nature of the negotiations has fueled speculation regarding the potential defection of schools like Colorado and Arizona to the Big 12, who have expressed interest in adding them. However, Arizona president Robert Robbins and Colorado chancellor Phil DiStefano have made it clear that they won’t make any decisions until they know the details of the Pac-12’s next deal.
The Big 12 has been actively exploring expansion since last summer, with a particular interest in recruiting Colorado and potentially other Pac-12 members. Reports suggest that Colorado has been the most receptive to the Big 12’s advances among all Pac-12 schools. At the recent Big 12 media days, commissioner Brett Yormark confirmed that the conference has a plan for expansion and is eager to execute it promptly when an opportunity arises.
On the topic of potential expansion, Yormark mentioned UConn as another school on his radar. However, he acknowledges the need for consensus among Big 12 ADs and presidents before proceeding with any decisions. Yormark also stated that he is content with keeping the conference at 12 members if Colorado ultimately decides to stick with the Pac-12.
Meanwhile, Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing negotiations since December. He is scheduled to address the media at Friday’s event in Las Vegas. However, the focus of the event might shift towards the media rights deal, potentially overshadowing the presence of renowned players such as Heisman winner Caleb Williams from USC, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.
As the Pac-12 continues its negotiations for a new media rights deal, fans and stakeholders eagerly await further updates and hope for a favorable outcome that will secure the conference’s future in the rapidly evolving landscape of collegiate sports.