Greg McElroy warns Pac-12 about reaching media deal with a streamer over ESPN, FOX

There might be light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the Pac-12 media rights negotiations. One of the most interesting sagas of the offseason, the league could be closing in on a new deal “in the next three weeks,” On3’s Eric Prisbell reported Tuesday morning.

What exactly that deal looks like is unclear. However, there have been a few reported suitors for the conference’s rights. Those reported parties range from The CW to Apple to ION Television and more. The idea of streaming is interesting considering Apple’s reported interest and the possibility that Amazon could jump in the mix given the success of Thursday Night Football this past NFL season.

However, ESPN analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy doesn’t sound sold on the idea of streaming. He offered a stern warning to the Pac-12 about that avenue and the potential audience — or lack thereof — it would reach.

“Full disclosure, I collect a paycheck from ESPN. But as you guys know on this program, for the last year, I have been extremely outspoken about the importance of FOX, CBS, NBC, everybody getting involved in the college sports world. That’s good for all of us,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “A rising tide lifts all ships, and the more networks that are going to be involved in college sports, the better. I really strongly believe that.

“But I do think it would be a massive mistake for the Pac-12 to pass on the opportunity to sign with one of the aforementioned networks. I don’t care if it’s with ESPN, NBC, CBS or with FOX. I think it would be a massive mistake to abandon those four ‘big boys,’ if you will, in favor of the streaming service because right now, the Pac-12 is at a crossroads. They’re at a crossroads. And if they can’t lock down a crazy lucrative deal, which they won’t, because there’s just too much negativity right now. There’s too much uncertainty.”

Greg McElroy: The Pac-12 needs the spotlight more than it needs the cash

There are a few factors in play for the Pac-12 as negotiations go on. Remember, the league is losing USC and UCLA to the Big Ten in 2024. That means expansion could be a possibility, and San Diego State hasn’t tried hard to hide its eagerness for an invitation.

On3 has reported the need to balance exposure with expansion, and McElroy echoed a similar sentiment. The sense is a media deal will come before expansion, and that’s why he urged for a shorter term deal to start instead of locking in to a longer term deal a la the ACC in 2016.

“Right now, the Pac-12 needs the spotlight more so than they need the cash,” McElroy said. “Because if they aligned with a streaming service for a ton of money, and nobody sees their games relatively speaking, that’s going to hurt the brand when they go back to the table a couple years from now. I firmly believe if I were in charge of the Pac-12 negotiation — and I’m not — I firmly believe it would be in their best interest to sign a short-term deal with ESPN or with FOX or as somebody that can adequately distribute the Pac-12 brand and promote the Pac-12 brand. Maybe you sign a slightly less lucrative deal in favor of the upside the next time you go to the table.

“So if I were advising the Pac-12, I’d go short. Five-year deal. And then, you get a bite at the apple when things are hopefully a little bit more stable down the road. But going and aligning exclusively with a more boutique network provider or a streaming service, I think, would really diminish the platform and the spotlight the Pac-12 could get if they aligned with ABC, ESPN, FOX, NBC CBS, what have you.”