The PAC-12 has signed a new five-year media rights contract, with CBS as a major broadcast partner. This partnership, announced by Commissioner Teresa Gould, will feature CBS airing a minimum of three regular-season games across various sports and both soccer and men’s basketball championship games. While CBS is the primary partner, Fox also plays a secondary role.
San Diego State’s Athletics Director John David Wicker expressed optimism about the deal, calling it a good first step, although more work remains regarding television rights. Important details such as the identities of additional media partners and financial terms are still pending.
With a July 1st deadline looming for expanding to eight football members to stay eligible for advantageous college football playoffs, the PAC-12 aims to attract new members interested in the broadcast potential. Current estimates suggest PAC-12 members may earn around $7 million annually from this deal, compared to the $3.5 million from their existing Mountain West agreement.
Concerns over exit fees for schools like SDSU, estimated at $18 million, may complicate matters. The announcement also raises questions about streaming rights, with CBS games set to be available on Paramount+, but details on streaming for CBS Sports Network games remain unclear. Overall, while the deal marks progress for the PAC-12, it highlights ongoing challenges and uncertainties in their media landscape.
Source link
