The idea, believed to have been proposed by the ACC, is seen as a way for the conferences’ joint rights holder, ESPN, to increase the value of existing media rights contracts. That proposal isn’t likely to have much of an impact, given that ESPN has cost certainty with the ACC in a contract that runs through 2036. The Pac-12 is trying to survive after losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten in 2024. Rights to Pac-12 teams without California powers are now worth about $30 million a year, up from about $42 million per program with the Trojans and Bruins in the fold. John Canzano first reported that the proposed Pac-12 was 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 say the proposal is being seen as a “strength in numbers” move. While the 24 combined ACC and Pac-12 teams wouldn’t have nearly the clout of the 32 programs combined in the SEC and Big Ten, it would go some way to combating the growing financial gap between these up-and-coming superconferences and everyone else. With the Big 12 and Pac-12 in flux, ACC schools are increasingly realizing a gap in media rights that could approach $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 chooses to expand again. The Big 12 is considering adding as many as six Pac-12 schools to fortify itself, CBS Sports reported Tuesday. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are the main teams being targeted with Oregon and Washington also under consideration. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 is just trying to stay viable. On Tuesday, the league announced it would go out early to negotiate rights for its 10 remaining teams. The Pac-12’s current contract with ESPN and Fox expires in 2024, although Fox is not expected to be interested in Pac-12 rights going forward.
