Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff is gearing up to present an anticipated media rights deal to league members within the next 48 hours. This crucial announcement comes as the league’s Board and Athletic Directors (ADs) are scheduled to convene with Kliavkoff on Tuesday morning.
The Pac-12 has been at the center of speculation regarding its media rights deal for the past 13 months, with fans and insiders eagerly awaiting updates. This upcoming deal, once finalized, will inevitably be compared to the recent extensions between the Big 12 and media giants ESPN and Fox.
Interestingly, the news of Colorado’s departure from the Pac-12 to join the Big 12 has shed new light on the urgency surrounding this media rights negotiation. It remains unclear if this departure has accelerated the timeline for finalizing the deal. However, it has certainly sparked intrigue and speculation among enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
In response to potential expansion opportunities, the Pac-12 previously stated its willingness to consider adding new members once the media rights deal is complete. It appears that Arizona is the leading candidate to join the Big 12, as the Arizona Board of Regents has even scheduled a special meeting to discuss the media rights deal.
Rumors hint that San Diego State and Southern Methodist University (SMU) are the top targets for Pac-12 expansion. These schools have built strong athletic programs and boast an impressive fan base, making them enticing options for the conference.
Past deadlines for the media rights deal have come and gone, fueling the anticipation and suspense surrounding the negotiation. However, with Kliavkoff’s imminent presentation, it seems likely that a resolution is finally on the horizon. Fans and stakeholders of the Pac-12 eagerly await the outcome of this significant announcement, which could potentially reshape the conference’s future.
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