The CW Network May Be Involved With Pac-12 Media-Rights Talks
Despite recent reports that the announcement of Pac-12 media-rights deal was imminent, The Athletic reported last week that a deal would not be announced until late spring or early summer. Presumably that means late May or June.
However, the most interesting aspect of The Athletic report is that the delay may be because a new potential TV partner has emerged: The CW.
People addicted to television know The CW as the free over-air network that shows such programs as “Gossip Girl” and “The Flash” and “Riverdale” and "Supernatural" as well as an assortment of reruns. The CW became known in the sports world recently when it reached an agreement to televise LIV golf, the Saudi-financed pro tour that is a rival to the PGA. That is The CW’s only sports involvement, although some of its local affiliates show basketball and football games.
The CW is controlled by Nexstar Media Group, and the letters C and W are the first letters of CBS and Warner Brothers, the co-founders to the network.
In any case, the Pac-12 media-rights deal is likely to include a heavy streaming component, according to The Athletic report.
One important excerpt:
The protracted process indicates [Pac-12 commissioner George] Kliavkoff is not overly concerned about any of the Four Corners schools — Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah — defecting just yet. However, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has recently met with multiple presidents of Pac-12 schools looking to explore their options, a person briefed on the meetings said.
Despite significant cost-cutting measures underway at parent company Disney, ESPN remains interested in Pac-12 rights, but not likely at a price the conference is seeking. It’s unclear whether the network would land a similar inventory to what it has now or a more narrow package, perhaps primarily in the 10:30 p.m. ET [7:30 p.m. Pacific time] window.
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Cover photo by Chris Pietsch, The Register Guard, USA TODAY NETWORK
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