Pac-12 Conference Agrees Contract Extension with CBS Sports, Set for 2030-31 Duration
Revamped Rant:
As the Pac-12 gears up for its 2026 reboot, boasting new schools and a revamped schedule, CBS Sports and the conference have locked in a media rights extension, promising a 2025 football season debut.
In the wake of many academies bidding adieu to the conference in 2024, the Pac-12 has been building its roster, picking up Washington State and Oregon State from its original lineup. The conference has also been chasing after lucrative TV, streaming, and other media deals to boost its revenue.
This fresh partnership elevates CBS Sports to the top spot as the Pac-12's long-term media partner. Additional partners are yet to be revealed, the conference hinted. Games both on the gridiron and hardwood courts for the new Pac-12 will broadcast throughout the season on the CBS Television Network, stream on Paramount+, and air on CBS Sports Network.
"Our partnership with CBS Sports allows us to highlight the Pac-12's top games across a variety of platforms, amplifying our presence and growth," shared Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports' programming exec.
Octagon, the Pac-12's media advisor, was instrumental in striking the deals for the 2025 partnership and the subsequent long-term extension.
Key components of the CBS-Pac-12 pact include:
- Annual football and men's basketball championship games on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
- A minimum of three regular season football and men's basketball games each season on CBS and Paramount+.
- Regular season games throughout the year on CBS Sports Network—details to be announced later.
Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed, "The partnership with CBS Sports signifies a major step forward, enabling us to build, launch, and grow the new Pac-12 together."
Beyond CBS, the Pac-12's media posse includes The CW and ESPN, with more partners in the works. Keep your eyes peeled for future reveals as deals with joining schools are finalized. The dissolution of the original Pac-12 was partly due to some prominent schools seeking better media revenue opportunities with conferences like the Big Ten.
Oregon State and Washington State have been leading the Pac-12 since last fall, also welcoming Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Utah State in plans to form a new Pac-12 Conference, with play set to begin in 2026-27.
For the 2025-26 season, Oregon State and Washington State will still operate under the Pac-12 banner, granted a two-year NCAA grace period. Off the football pitch, the two schools are set to enjoy a two-year affiliate membership with the West Coast Conference for men's basketball and other Olympic sports.
Stay tuned for more updates as the new Pac-12 takes shape!
- The revamped Pac-12, set to debut in 2026, has secured a media rights extension with CBS Sports, marking a significant milestone for both parties.
- The partnership between the Pac-12 and CBS Sports allows for the broadcast of top games across various platforms, aiming to amplify the conference's presence and growth.
- Key components of the CBS-Pac-12 pact include annual football and men's basketball championship games on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
- Beyond CBS, the Pac-12's media partners also include The CW and ESPN, while additional partners are yet to be announced.
- Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed that the partnership with CBS Sports signifies a major step forward in building, launching, and growing the new Pac-12.
- In the 2025-26 season, Oregon State and Washington State will operate under the Pac-12 banner, enjoying a two-year NCAA grace period, and a two-year affiliate membership with the West Coast Conference for men's basketball and other Olympic sports.
- The new Pac-12, which will include Oregon State, Washington State, along with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, and Utah State, is set to begin play in 2026-27.
