The Pac-12 conference has announced that it will explore possibilities for expansion following the decision by the University of Colorado to leave the conference and join the Big 12 in 2024. With the uncertainty surrounding a long-term media rights deal and the conference’s membership reduced to nine teams as of July 1, 2024, the Pac-12 is focused on securing a long-term rights partner before considering expansion.
The conference released a statement saying, “We remain committed to our shared values and to continuing to invest in our student-athletes. Today’s decision by the University of Colorado has done nothing to disrupt that commitment. We are focused on concluding our media rights deal and securing our continued success and growth. Immediately following the conclusion of our media rights deal, we will embrace expansion opportunities and bring new fans, markets, excitement, and value to the Pac-12.”
Colorado’s departure will mark the end of its 13-year tenure with the Pac-12, having previously been a part of various versions of the Big 12 for 63 years.
In addition to Colorado, the Pac-12 will need to replace USC and UCLA, who are set to join the Big Ten on July 1, 2024. Depending on discussions with potential media rights partners, the Pac-12 may consider expanding beyond 12 teams if it is seen as financially beneficial.
The Pac-12 has faced challenges in finalizing its new rights deal, partly because the Big 12 opened its contract with Fox and ESPN, both of which are currently Pac-12 partners, to negotiate a new deal before the Pac-12.
The Big 12 secured a $2.3 billion agreement with Fox and ESPN through the 2030-31 season, with Colorado set to receive a full share upon their arrival.
While Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff has reassured members that the conference will sign a deal that matches or exceeds the annual value of the Big 12’s agreement, some members are concerned about the distribution of the football games. They believe that airing at least 50% of the games on linear television, as opposed to streaming services, is more financially and exposure-wise valuable.
However, the lack of a finalized agreement or named rights partners has raised concerns among Pac-12 universities. Despite this, most members have expressed their commitment to the Pac-12 but are waiting for the details of the media rights package before making final decisions about their futures.
If the Pac-12 can secure a significant rights agreement, it will ensure the long-term commitment of its members.
Kliavkoff recently met with Pac-12 membership to provide an update on the negotiations. Pac-12 presidents and chancellors then held a meeting and released a league-wide statement.
San Diego State, considered a potential target for Pac-12 expansion, had planned to leave the Mountain West conference but was unable to do so due to the absence of a finalized rights deal. Should the Pac-12 secure a deal, San Diego State remains a top candidate for expansion.
