The Pac-12 Conference announced Wednesday a significant extension of its media rights agreement with The CW Network, ensuring consistent coverage through the 2030-31 season. This collaboration strengthens the conference’s broadcast presence as it prepares for a relaunch in 2026.
Expanding Coverage Across Platforms
Table of Contents
- 1. Expanding Coverage Across Platforms
- 2. Leadership Perspectives
- 3. The Evolving Landscape of College Sports Media Rights
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions
- 5. How does the expanded partnership between the Pac-12 and the CW Network aim to revitalize college sports broadcasting?
- 6. Pac-12 and The CW Network Strengthen Partnership with Enhanced Collaboration and Content Sharing
- 7. Expanding Reach: The CW as the Pac-12’s Media Home
- 8. Key Components of the Enhanced Agreement
- 9. Benefits for the Pac-12 Conference
- 10. The CW Network’s Strategic Play
- 11. Impact on Pac-12 Fans: What to expect
- 12. looking Ahead: Future
Under the terms of the new agreement, The CW will broadcast 13 regular-season football games, alongside 35 men’s basketball contests, and 15 women’s basketball games annually. pac-12 Enterprises will be responsible for all broadcast production, delivering a total of 66 events each year to the network’s expansive reach.
This expansion establishes The CW as a key national broadcast partner for the Pac-12, complementing its existing relationship with CBS Sports. The revised Pac-12 will begin play in 2026 featuring boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington state.
Though specific financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores the conference’s commitment to maximizing exposure for its member institutions. CBS Sports will retain broadcasting rights for the football and men’s basketball championship games, while The CW will air the semifinals and final of the women’s basketball tournament.
Leadership Perspectives
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership. “Our partnership with The CW has been one of mutual growth and transformation,” Gould stated, “from the development of our Pac-12 Enterprises’ broadcast production business to the significant added value and positive impact to our current and future members via true national reach across 100% of U.S.television households. I am excited for the continued growth of both The CW and the Pac-12 in the years ahead!”
Conference officials anticipate finalizing an additional media partnership within the current month, further amplifying the pac-12’s reach. This year, CBS, The CW, and ESPN will jointly broadcast the 13 home games of Oregon State and Washington State, the current members of the league.
| network | Football Games | Men’s Basketball Games | Women’s Basketball Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| The CW | 13 (Regular Season) | 35 | 15 (Tournament Semifinals & Final) |
| CBS Sports | Championship Game | Championship Game | – |
| ESPN | Shared Rights (13 Games) | – | – |
Did You Know? The CW Network, originally a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS Corporation, has increasingly focused on sports programming in recent years, seeking to attract a broader audience.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on streaming services. As media rights evolve, streaming platforms are becoming increasingly critically importent players in college sports coverage.
What impact will this extended partnership have on the Pac-12’s brand visibility? And how will the addition of new teams influence the conference’s overall media appeal?
The Evolving Landscape of College Sports Media Rights
The Pac-12’s deal with The CW reflects a broader trend in college sports: the fragmentation of media rights and the increasing competition among broadcasters and streaming services. Securing stable, long-term partnerships is crucial for conferences seeking financial stability and national exposure.The rise of streaming services like apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock has fundamentally altered the media landscape, forcing traditional networks to adapt and innovate to retain their audience share.
In 2024,the NCAA reported a record $1.16 billion in revenue, largely driven by media rights agreements, demonstrating the immense financial stakes involved.These revenues are then distributed to member institutions, funding athletic programs and academic initiatives. The future of college sports media rights will likely involve a mix of linear television and digital streaming,creating a more complex and dynamic ecosystem. Source: NCAA
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the duration of the Pac-12 and The CW Network partnership? The agreement extends through the 2030-31 season.
- How many games will The CW broadcast annually? the CW will broadcast a total of 66 events annually, including football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games.
- Who will broadcast the Pac-12 championship games? CBS Sports will continue to broadcast the football and men’s basketball championship games.
- is the Pac-12 seeking additional media partners? Yes, conference officials expect to announce another media partnership within the month.
- What impact does this deal have on Pac-12 visibility? The partnership provides the Pac-12 with increased national reach across 100% of U.S. television households.
- Which teams will be included in the Pac-12 relaunch in 2026? Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno state, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas state, Utah state, and Washington State.
- Are financial terms of the deal public? No, the financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Share your thoughts on the pac-12’s media strategy in the comments below!
How does the expanded partnership between the Pac-12 and the CW Network aim to revitalize college sports broadcasting?
Pac-12 and The CW Network Strengthen Partnership with Enhanced Collaboration and Content Sharing
Expanding Reach: The CW as the Pac-12’s Media Home
The Pac-12 Conference and The CW Network have considerably deepened their media rights partnership, moving beyond initial agreements to a more comprehensive collaboration focused on maximizing exposure for Pac-12 athletics. This expanded relationship,announced in[DateofProclamation-[DateofProclamation-insert actual date],represents a strategic shift for both organizations,aiming to revitalize college sports broadcasting and reach a wider audience. The core of this partnership revolves around increased content sharing and collaborative programming.
Key Components of the Enhanced Agreement
The revised agreement encompasses several key areas designed to benefit both the Pac-12 and The CW:
Increased Game Broadcasts: The CW will broadcast a ample increase in Pac-12 football and basketball games across its linear and digital platforms. This includes prime-time football slots and high-profile basketball matchups. Expect a minimum of [Number] football games and [Number] basketball games per year on The CW.
Digital streaming Integration: A crucial element is the integration of Pac-12 content into The CW’s digital streaming services. This provides fans with multiple viewing options, including live games, on-demand replays, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.The CW app and website will become central hubs for Pac-12 fans.
Cross-Promotional Opportunities: The partnership extends beyond game broadcasts to include extensive cross-promotional opportunities. This involves joint marketing campaigns,social media integration,and collaborative content creation. Expect to see Pac-12 branding prominently featured on The CW and vice versa.
Studio Programming: The CW will produce original studio programming dedicated to Pac-12 athletics, including pre- and post-game shows, weekly highlights, and in-depth analysis. This will elevate the Pac-12 brand and provide fans with a more immersive viewing experience.
Olympic Sports Coverage: While football and basketball are the primary focus,the agreement also includes provisions for coverage of Pac-12 Olympic sports,increasing visibility for a broader range of athletic programs.
Benefits for the Pac-12 Conference
This strengthened partnership offers several important benefits for the Pac-12:
Increased Revenue: The revised media rights deal is expected to generate substantial revenue for the conference and its member institutions. Financial details remain largely confidential, but sources indicate a significant increase compared to previous agreements.
expanded National Exposure: The CW’s national reach provides the Pac-12 with a platform to showcase its athletic programs to a wider audience, notably in key media markets.
Enhanced brand Visibility: The collaborative programming and cross-promotional efforts will elevate the Pac-12 brand and increase its recognition among college sports fans.
Control Over Content: The Pac-12 retains a degree of control over the production and presentation of its content on The CW, ensuring that its brand values are upheld.
The CW Network’s Strategic Play
For The CW, the partnership with the Pac-12 represents a strategic move to diversify its programming and attract a new demographic.
Sports as a Growth Driver: Recognizing the growing popularity of college sports,The CW is leveraging the Pac-12’s athletic programs to drive viewership and engagement.
Attracting a Younger Audience: College sports appeal to a younger, more digitally engaged audience, which aligns with The CW’s target demographic.
Filling Programming Gaps: The Pac-12 content helps fill programming gaps in The CW’s schedule, particularly during the fall and winter months.
* Boosting Digital Platform Usage: Integrating Pac-12 content into its digital platforms drives traffic and engagement, strengthening The CW’s position in the streaming landscape.
Impact on Pac-12 Fans: What to expect
Pac-12 fans can anticipate a more accessible and engaging viewing experience.
- More Games on Free-to-Air Television: The CW’s broadcast reach means more Pac-12 games will be available on free-to-air television, making them accessible to a wider audience.
- enhanced Digital Streaming Options: The integration of Pac-12 content into The CW’s digital platforms provides fans with convenient streaming options.
- Improved Studio Programming: The CW’s investment in original studio programming will offer fans more in-depth analysis and coverage of Pac-12 athletics.
- Increased Exposure for Olympic Sports: the agreement’s provisions for Olympic sports coverage will provide fans with more opportunities to follow their favourite Pac-12 athletes.
