Pac-12 Strengthens Position with CBS Media Deal
The Pac-12 Conference announced a long-term media rights deal with CBS, enhancing its reputation as a top-tier college sports league. This partnership, effective through the 2030-31 season, arrives as the conference prepares for its expansion on July 1, 2026, with the addition of schools like Boise State and Gonzaga.
Highlighting its competitive edge, the Pac-12’s email noted that six of the seven new members have ranked in the AP Top 25 since 2021, while the league boasts a fifth-place average in the Football Power Index among FBS conferences. Additionally, seven of the eight incoming members in men’s basketball have participated in recent NCAA Tournaments.
Despite these strong metrics, the email did not disclose specifics on the financials of the CBS contract, a key concern amid the recent wave of conference realignment driven by lucrative media deals. Previous estimates suggested potential payouts over $15 million per school, which now seem optimistic, as analysts forecast more realistic figures closer to $10 million annually once the ninth member is confirmed.
In contrast, the Mountain West Conference (MWC), which also sought a media partner, faces uncertainty over its future TV deals after CBS’s commitment to the Pac-12. As the MWC currently averages around $3.5 million per school in media revenue, the looming question is whether CBS will maintain an interest or if it will pivot exclusively to the Pac-12, leaving the MWC searching for new partnerships.
With a clearer path forward in terms of media rights, the Pac-12’s future appears bright while the MWC must navigate a tougher landscape in the coming years.
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