Pac-12 programs agree to equal sharing of media-rights revenue
With reports indicating that programs were just about packed up and ready to leave the Pac-12, the conference out West finally received some positive news in their favor.
According to a report by The Athletic, the 10 remaining programs all agreed to equal sharing of media-rights revenue. They also came to an agreement that there will be performance-based distribution of College Football Playoff revenue as part of a new Grant of Rights deal. Contrary to the confusion of many, this does not yet mean that there is a media right deal on the table.
Multiple deadlines have come and gone for when the conference would actually hammer down a media rights deal, but the sharing of media-rights revenue is the most positive news this conference has seen in a while. The Athletic's Stewart Mandel explained the importance of this agreement and what it means for the conference moving forward.
All that truly matters is whether the 10 members actually sign the Grant of Rights, which won’t happen until they approve an as-yet unfinalized media rights deal. But the agreed-upon equal sharing of media revenue is noteworthy. There had been speculation dating to last summer, when Oregon and Washington were being mentioned as possible contenders for further Big Ten expansion, that those schools in particular might be granted a larger share, but that possibility failed to gain traction. A performance-based system involving only College Football Playoff revenue likely appeals to Oregon in particular, given it’s been the conference’s most frequent CFP contender since the advent of the event.
One thing that hasn't changed throughout this, is the fact that the media rights deal still needs to be completed. Whether it's with ESPN who Mandel confirmed is still in the mix, Apple, or the CW the conference is still flying close to the sun timing wise. Especially when you consider the expansion target, San Diego State is expected to see an increase in their buyout clause in just a few weeks.
With all 10 teams agreeing in theory to something, it does show that despite the noise from Big 12 country, that programs such as Colorado and Arizona still have at least some interest in remaining.
