( AI Query answer)
The new Pac-12 media deal’s cost per program (school) isn’t explicitly detailed in the provided sources as a finalized figure for the upcoming long-term agreement. However, I can piece together estimates and context from available information to give you a clear picture.
For the 2025 season, the Pac-12, currently consisting of Oregon State and Washington State, secured a one-year media deal with The CW and Fox Sports to broadcast 13 home football games. A Reddit thread cites a rumor that this deal is worth around $25 million total, which, split between the two schools, would equate to roughly $12.5 million per school for the year. This aligns with posts on X estimating $10–15 million per school for 2025, though these figures are not officially confirmed.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the rebuilt Pac-12 will include six schools (Oregon State, Washington State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State) and needs two more to meet NCAA FBS requirements. Estimates for a longer-term media deal vary:
- Industry estimates: Analysts suggest a range of $8–12 million per school annually. For example, a post on X from September 2024 mentions a potential $8–10 million per school, while other sources indicate a target of $10–11 million, which would be a significant jump from the Mountain West’s current $4–5 million per school.
Aspirational targets: The Pac-12 is reportedly aiming for a deal that could reach $12 million per school, especially if they add high-value schools like Memphis or Tulane. This would be a 71% improvement over the American Athletic Conference’s $7 million and triple the Mountain West’s average.
Ceiling and challenges: Some analysts, like Patrick Crakes, argue that $10 million per school is likely the ceiling unless the media market shifts or the conference adds schools with significant media value. The previous Pac-12 deal (2012–2024) was worth $21 million per school annually, but the loss of major markets like Los Angeles (USC and UCLA) and the current media landscape make that unattainable.
The Pac-12 is working with multiple partners (potentially ESPN, CBS, The CW, and streaming platforms like Amazon) for a multi-network deal, which could boost exposure but may not yield top-tier revenue due to the conference’s reduced brand power. For comparison, the ACC’s deal pays Cal and Stanford about $11 million annually (partial share), which serves as a benchmark for the Pac-12’s psychological target.
Bottom line: For 2025, the Pac-12’s deal likely provides $10–12.5 million per school (Oregon State and Washington State). For 2026 onward, estimates for the six-team (or more) conference range from $8–12 million per school annually, with $10 million being a realistic midpoint based on current data. Exact figures will depend on final negotiations, additional schools, and the media partners involved. If you want me to dig deeper into potential partners or specific schools’ impact, let me know!
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