Canzano: New-world Pac-12 closing loop on media-rights deal
“I can’t ever remember TV types agreeing to this."
The third piece of the Pac-12 Conference’s media rights deal was unveiled on Thursday. USA Network will join CBS and The CW in carrying Pac-12 football and basketball games beginning in 2026.
Is it a good deal for the teams and fans?
How important will the marketing be to the Pac-12?
Will there be Friday night football games?
I called Bob Thompson, the retired president of Fox Sports Networks, and had him provide an analysis of the media deal. He’s negotiated countless media-rights packages, understands the landscape, and offers unique insight.
USA Network will carry 22 regular-season football games as part of the deal announced on Thursday. The Pac-12’s total regular-season inventory includes a total of 48 games. The conference’s other partners include CBS and The CW.
Said Thompson: “There’s a selection process buried in her that nobody is talking about.”