The Pac-12 reportedly in talks with The CW as potential media rights partner
The Pac-12 media rights saga has taken yet another surprising turn, as following beliefs that the conference was nearing a deal it was later reported that they are still a ways away. Adding onto the confusion of what is actually going on with the conference that still seems to be recovering from the loss of USC and UCLA was a report by The Athletic linking the conference with The CW.
Following reports on Thursday that a deal for 2024-25 and beyond won’t be announced until “late spring, early summer” it was also reported that the conference is in talks with the network that televises shows such as Riverdale, All American, and The Flash among other shows.
The CW Network is owned by Nexstar Media Group who has expressed a desire to get involved with live sports rights, even striking a deal with LIV Golf. The concern for the Pac-12 stems from the fact they still don't seem to be on track to land a deal better than the Big 12's as explained by The Athletic saying:
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 window.
Despite recent sentiments of confidence by Pac-12 presidents, it was also explained that Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has met with the four corner schools recently. The conference doesn't need to rush to get a deal, but again, having any semblance of one would be nice and fend off the poachers.
The presidents are scheduled to hold their next meeting on April 10 to discuss the Pac-12's predicament.
