Pac-12 leaders receive details of media deal, but no vote to accept terms
Pac-12 leaders were presented details, including potential payouts, of a long-awaited media rights deal Tuesday by Commissioner George Kliavkoff and concluded the meeting without voting on whether to accept the terms, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Pac-12 was not making its internal discussion public, and gave no further details about prospective network or streaming partners nor the value.
The meeting comes just days after Colorado decided not to wait and see what Kliavkoff could deliver and announced it would re-join the Big 12 in 2024. With nine members still committed to trying to stick it out, the media rights deal could make or break the Pac-12.
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Joel Klatt explained why TV deals are essential to teams and conferences to continue growing the sport.
Two people familiar with Tuesday’s Pac-12 meeting who also spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the privacy of discussions called it a "positive and productive" session.
Another meeting with Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, along with athletic directors, was not immediately scheduled.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has been blunt about the conference’s desire to expand West, with Pac-12 schools as obvious expansion targets. Arizona has been considered the most likely to jump.
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Brett Yormark explores the impact of basketball on the Big 12's expansion and vital role in conference growth.
Arizona President Robert C. Robbins has multiple times stated his desire to have Arizona stay in the Pac-12, while making it clear that staying put also needs to make financial sense.
At a news conference to open preseason football practice Tuesday, Wildcats coach Jedd Fisch told reporters that he has been meeting with the parents of players to assure them Arizona’s future will be secure.
"We’re in a position where people want us," Fisch said, adding he expects a decision on conference affiliation soon.
The Arizona Board of Regents, which controls both Arizona and fellow Pac-12 school Arizona State, had a meeting scheduled for later Tuesday, though it was unclear whether conference affiliation and the media rights deal would be on the agenda.
Reporting by The Associated Press.