Pac-12 issues statement on Colorado move, reaffirms commitment to media rights deal

And then there were nine in the Pac-12. Another conference member was lost on Thursday, with Colorado heading for the Big 12 ahead of the 2024 football season. USC and UCLA will be heading out the door as well in favor of the Big Ten.

Following Colorado’s announcement, the Pac-12 released a statement on Thursday evening. They reaffirmed their commitment to finding a media rights deal, something Commissioner George Kliavkoff has not been able to pull off quite yet.

The statement says once a media rights deal is struck, the focus of the Pac-12 will turn to expansion.

“The Pac-12 is comprised of world-leading universities and athletic programs who share a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, supporting student-athletes’ academic and athletic excellence, and broad-based success,” the statement read. “We remain committed to our shared values and to continuing to invest in our student-athletes. Today’s decision by the University of Colorado has done nothing to disrupt that commitment.

“We are focused on concluding our media right deal and securing our continued success and growth. Immediately following the conclusion of our media rights deal, we will embrace expansion opportunities and bring new fans, markets, excitement, and value to the Pac-12.”

When Pac-12 Media Days were approaching last week, the thought was there would be more information on the conference’s broadcast writes. Kliavkoff had to release a statement saying no agreement had been made and the Pac-12 was still searching.

Now, another member down, they are in the same position. Kliavkoff needs to find a media rights deal and in a hurry — especially if they do not plan on addressing realignment until then. Otherwise, the Pac-12 will continue to fall behind others (Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) in college athletics.

Colorado leaving Big 12 over media right deal

While USC and UCLA were likely gone no matter the media rights deal situation, that played a huge factor in Colorado leaving. Athletic director Rick George hinted as such when sending a letter out to Buffs fans, notifying them of a move to the Big 12. Financial security for the foreseeable future is something they value in Colorado.

“The Big 12 Conference recently signed a media rights agreement extension that will make them partners with the country’s two largest sports media companies, ESPN and FOX, through the 2030-2031 season,” George said. “The national exposure, through linear television and streaming, combined with the Big 12 Conference’s footprint across three time zones, will not only make CU more accessible to alumni and fans nationwide, but introduce the Buffs to countless new potential students and fans.”