What's Happening?
The Pac-12 Conference has announced an extension of its media contract with The CW Network, which will now include coverage of 13 regular-season football games, 50 men's and women's basketball games, and the women's basketball title game starting in the 2026-27 season. This deal, set to run through the 2030-31 season, marks a continuation of a partnership that began last football season. The agreement comes as the Pac-12 prepares to add six new schools, including Boise State and Gonzaga, following a significant realignment in 2023. Pac-12 Enterprises will produce the games for The CW, continuing its role from the now-defunct Pac-12 TV network.
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Why It's Important?
This extension is crucial for the Pac-12 Conference as it stabilizes its media presence following a period of uncertainty and realignment. The inability to secure long-term media deals previously led to an exodus of schools, threatening the conference's viability. By securing this deal, the Pac-12 not only ensures continued visibility for its sports programs but also enhances its eligibility for the College Football Playoff with the addition of Texas State, bringing the number of football schools to eight. This move is likely to strengthen the conference's competitive position and attract more viewers and sponsors.
What's Next?
With the new schools joining the Pac-12, the conference is set to become eligible for the College Football Playoff starting next season. The extended media coverage is expected to boost the conference's profile and potentially lead to increased revenue from advertising and sponsorships. Stakeholders, including the new member schools, will likely focus on leveraging this expanded media presence to enhance recruitment and fan engagement. The conference's leadership will need to manage the integration of new schools and ensure the smooth production of games under the new contract.
