What's Happening?
The Pac-12 Conference has announced a five-year media rights partnership with USA Sports, set to commence in the 2026-27 season. This agreement will position the new Pac-12 as a premier college sports offering on USA Network, featuring regular season games
for football, men's basketball, and women's basketball. The partnership includes broadcasting 22 regular season football games, 50 men's basketball games, and 5-10 women's basketball games annually. Additionally, the men's basketball tournament will be aired on USA Network, with the championship game broadcast on CBS. The CW will also feature 15 regular season women's basketball games and the semifinals and championship game of the women's basketball tournament. Pac-12 Enterprises will produce over 80 events annually for USA Network, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the conference's sports offerings.
Why It's Important?
This partnership significantly enhances the visibility and reach of the Pac-12 Conference, providing national exposure through major networks like CBS, The CW, and USA Network. It aligns with the evolving landscape of college sports broadcasting, offering fans consistent access to games across multiple platforms. The deal is expected to bolster the conference's brand and attract a wider audience, potentially increasing revenue through advertising and sponsorships. Schools within the conference, including Boise State, Colorado State, and others, stand to benefit from increased media coverage, which could enhance recruitment efforts and elevate the profile of their athletic programs.
What's Next?
The partnership is set to begin in the 2026-27 season, with preparations underway to integrate the new Pac-12 members and finalize broadcast schedules. Stakeholders, including university athletic departments and media partners, will collaborate to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of the expanded media coverage. The conference will continue to explore additional business opportunities and future considerations to further strengthen its position in the college sports landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The deal reflects broader trends in sports media, where traditional networks are increasingly partnering with conferences to secure exclusive broadcasting rights. This move could influence other conferences to seek similar partnerships, reshaping the competitive dynamics of college sports broadcasting. Additionally, the partnership underscores the importance of strategic media alliances in enhancing the visibility and commercial viability of sports leagues.
