The ACC and Pac-12 have discussed what was called a “loose partnership” that could end the season with the conferences playing a “championship game” in Las Vegas, sources confirmed to CBS Sports.
The concept, believed to have been proposed by the ACC, is seen as a way for the conferences’ overall rights holder, ESPN, to increase the value of its current media rights contracts.
That proposal is unlikely to have much of an impact given that ESPN has cost security with the ACC in a contract that runs through 2036. The Pac-12 is trying to survive the loss of USC and UCLA from the Big Ten in 2024 d. Rights to Pac-12 teams without California’s powers now cost about $30 million a year, down from roughly $42 million per program with the Trojans and Bruins leading the way.
John Canzano first reported the proposed Pac-12 discussing a “loose partnership” with another conference Tuesday afternoon, noting that some regular-season crossover games could be played in addition to the “championship game.”
Sources said the proposal was seen as a “strength in numbers” move. While the 24 combined ACC and Pac-12 teams won’t have nearly the clout of the 32 programs combined in the SEC and Big Ten, it would be something to combat the growing financial gap between these burgeoning superconferences and everyone else.
As the Big 12 and Pac-12 grow, ACC schools are increasingly aware of their lack of media rights, which can reach $50 million a year compared to the SEC and Big Ten.
It has been widely speculated that some combination of Clemson, Florida State and Miami could be a fit if the SEC decides to expand again.
The Big 12 is considering adding up to six Pac-12 schools to bolster itself, CBS Sports reported Tuesday. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are the main teams being targeted, with Oregon and Washington also being considered.
Meanwhile, the Pac-12 is just trying to stay viable. On Tuesday, the league announced it would go to market early to negotiate rights for its 10 remaining teams. The Pac-12’s current contract with ESPN and Fox expires in 2024, though Fox is not expected to be interested in Pac-12 rights going forward.
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