CBS Sports and Turner reportedly back out of Pac-12 media rights negotiations
In this story:
Another day without a media rights deal for the Pac-12 has come and gone, and now according to reports by Brett McMurphy, there are a couple less suitors for the conference.
Just days after releasing a united statement that expressed confidence in the 10 teams sticking together, and their ability to find a media rights partner, McMurphy reported that CBS & Turner are currently no longer involved in the Pac-12’s media rights negotiations.
CBS will have the Big Ten after, while Turner has channels like TBS and TNT, but doesn't currently cover college football. Two outlets that likely would have been great partners, are now off the table, and push the Pac-12 even further into a corner.
The new deal was always expected to have streaming, but now it is becoming more and more evident that streaming will be a major part of it. It also shows that the Pac-12 might want to consider expanding first to help build their profile, and also increase the offers that are still left on the table.
Expansion wise, San Diego State and SMU are viewed as locks, but I recently identified four other programs that would be worth adding for the conference.
