On Wednesday morning, the Big 12 announced the conference would enter into early talks with ESPN and FOX about a new media rights deal.
The Big 12’s current deal will end on June 30th, 2025. As a result, the conference will enter into negotiations a year and a half early as discussions were scheduled to begin in early 2024. New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormak also released a statement on Wednesday.
“It is an exciting time for college athletics, and given the changing landscape, we welcome the opportunity to engage with our partners to determine if any early extension is in the best interest of all parties,” said Yormark. “The Big 12 has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with its multi-media rights holders, and I look forward to having these conversations.”
At the very least, FOX and ESPN’s willingness to negotiate early with the Big 12 is a positive sign for the conference.
The Pac-12 has also entered into initial media rights negotiations with ESPN; however, these negotiations have severely underwhelmed the conference and its member schools. According to Jason Scheer, publisher of Wildcat Authority on 247Sports Network, ESPN’s initial offer to the Pac 12 would give $24.5 million to each university annually. This offer is well below what Big Ten and SEC universities are making in their new deals.
However, the Pac-12 and Big Ten might not only be competing for a new media rights deal. The two conferences could also be evaluating each other’s member schools. In addition, if Big 12 universities receive significantly more money annually than the Pac 12 institutions in these upcoming negotiations, the Big 12 could expand sooner rather than later.
Especially with reports that officials from Oregon and Washington have met with the Big Ten to discuss their “compatibility,” there is much uncertainty around the Pac 12.
Brett Yorkmark and the Big 12 could easily approach Colorado, Utah, Arizona State, and Arizona, with a solid number that could significantly exceed what ESPN is willing to give the Pac 12. Ultimately, the Big 12 moving up their media rights negotiations could set off the next wave of realignment.
Just over a month ago, at Pac 12 media days, commissioner George Kliavkoff stated, “We are in the enviable position of being next to market after the Big Ten.” Now, that advantage over the Big 12 seems to have come to an end.
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