PAC-12 TV RIGHTS: Conference Set To Announce Deal Valued At 'About $3 Billion'
by Jeff Nusser on May 3, 2011 9:31 AM PDT
in 2011 Pac-12 News And Notes
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PrintPac-12 commissioner Larry Scott actually pulled it off: As first reported by the SportsBusiness Journal early this morning and subsequently confirmed by Pac-12 reporter Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News, the conference is set to announce a media rights deal worth $2.7 billion over 12 years. (EDIT: See the bottom of the story for the updated $3 billion figure via the New York Times.)
That works out to approximately $225 million a year and nearly $19 million per team. It will be the richest conference deal in college sports.
According to both sources, the deal is a joint venture between Fox and ESPN in which both would share the football and basketball rights. From the SportsBusiness Journal:
Fox picked up football and basketball rights. It will carry football games on its Fox broadcast channel in primetime and on FX. It will carry basketball games on FSN. ESPN and Fox will rotate coverage of the Pac-10's basketball tournament and football championship game. The conference becomes the Pac-12 on July 1 when Colorado and Utah enter the conference.
The interesting thing about this deal? It does not include a Pac-12 channel. Scott apparently held back some rights expressly for that purpose, so when all is said and done, each team's annual payout will almost certainly exceed $20 million annually.
I know many were hoping that Fox would be out of the picture, but given the amount of money this includes, it's tough to look a gift horse in the mouth.
We'll be along later with some further analysis. Until then, discuss away.
EDIT, 9:23 a.m.: New figures are trickling out, and and the numbers appear higher than originally reported. Here are the key points via the New York Times:
- The deal will actually be worth about $3 billion total over 12 years, or about $250 million a year and nearly $21 million per school.
- The conference has retained all network rights and plans to start its own network with a digital media platform akin to ESPN3. More than 850 events will be broadcast between the two.
- As near as I can tell, this $3 billion figure still DOES NOT include potential revenue from the conference's network. But I'm not completely clear on that, and we probably won't get a clear sense of where all the revenue comes from until Scott's news conference tomorrow.
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But seriously
I’ve said from the start we need to get ESPN involved. I think even people familiar with the network in Pac-12 country are going to be shocked at how well they promote their sports partners.
As for Fox… with the money they’ve been throwing at the Texas 12 and now the Pac, I think we may finally be able to expect some upgrades in production value from FSN. At least with the mothership and FX on board FSN’s role is going to be downplayed somewhat.
The other odd thing is this: Now that FSN (Fox) is Root Sports (DirecTV) in the Northwest, where on Earth is our regional sports channel for WSU? I’m holding out hope it will be none of the above, and the Pac-12 network gets rolling in the next two years.
Writer: CougCenter Twitterer: @GradyClapp
by Grady Clapp on May 3, 2011 7:55 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
As far as I know, Root Sports will still be showing FSN events
Networks all over license the programing from FSN (Comcast Sports Net in CA does it and I know a couple Northeastern RSNs do it too). I’m pretty sure they are still affiliates, they just changed their name. This would have been a horrible move if Root would have lost all of the rights that FSN brings to the table just to separate themselves.
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
And Root hasn't been owned by FSN for a number of years
They’re owned, as Grady pointed out, by DirecTV and before that it was Liberty Sports Group. Root just rebranded themselves, they didn’t lose any potential affiliation or rights with the Pac-12, FSN, etc. Mrs. MichaelTheCoug works there and they’ve been sweating this out for the last few months….but now they can breathe a little easier.
Two in the cake, one in the puddin'! -Kevin Calabro, Twitter: MichaelPreston3
by Michael The Coug on May 3, 2011 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
They do buy their programming from FSN
and when that deal runs out, there are no guarantees. However, I expect them to be used as the regional affiliate in this deal.
That was more of a question than a statement
just how I’ve interpreted the situation based on what I’ve read. Am I in the ballpark?
Yeah, pretty much
They don’t have the money or the man power to do a lot of original programming so they still rely on FSN for a lot of it. Honestly, I can’t blame them. It’s a lot more cost efficient to do it that way.
Two in the cake, one in the puddin'! -Kevin Calabro, Twitter: MichaelPreston3
by Michael The Coug on May 3, 2011 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
We're in the money baby!
"I mean I was like, okay, there you go, you wanna hit me? There you go, one pitch for you. You don't get it? You have no chance." ~ Felix Hernandez
by johnnycougar on May 3, 2011 8:30 AM PDT reply actions 8 recs
I have no idea how this isn't green.
This picture is worth 3 billion recs over 12 years.
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
UPDATE: Pac-12 network is happening
The Pacific-10 Conference will start its own network on cable television in 2012 but will also sell most of its marquee football and basketball games to Fox and ESPN for about $3 billion over 12 years, more than quadrupling what the two companies have been paying.
The Pac-10, which is expected to announce the deals Wednesday, is following the media model of the Big Ten Conference, which in 2007 created its own network and negotiated a 10-year, $1 billion deal with ESPN. But a critical difference between the conferences’ deals is that the Pac-10 will retain full ownership of its network. Fox Cable Networks owns 49 percent of the Big Ten channel.
"I mean I was like, okay, there you go, you wanna hit me? There you go, one pitch for you. You don't get it? You have no chance." ~ Felix Hernandez
I know we like to not swear, as this is a 'family friendly' site
but holy shit.
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Exactly.
"I mean I was like, okay, there you go, you wanna hit me? There you go, one pitch for you. You don't get it? You have no chance." ~ Felix Hernandez
by johnnycougar on May 3, 2011 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
How much were we receiving annually under the old deal?
So it sounds like the new deal will be around $20M/year. Remind me again what we were getting before. $7m or something?
Yeah, and most of that was spent on weed.
Just think of the possibilities now!
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
This will create Hemp Fest 2012 in the Palouse.
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
tv deal
It’s an amazing deal. Fox/espn are overpaying for this deal, clearly, but it just shows the appetite for tv college sports in this country. One thing to keep in mind is that it is “backloaded”,probably with more money coming at the end of the contract.
—I hope we don’t waste this money, I think WSU should re-institue CougAire flights and Cougar Cruiser bus, and subsidize the cost if necessary. When they were cancelled, I tired but never got a good explanation why. As far as I can tell, WSU was having to subidize the cost. Now with this contract, we should subsidize these if necessary. I can’t think of a better use…to get Cougar fans in the seats at football games.
So…question…is Fox Broadcast channel FSN or Q13?
Cougar Patrick
Check out my blog at nwsportsnightly.blogspot.com
Thanks, Nusser! Now I do not have to invest in BS cable…Good old basic cable and ESPN3.com!
Cougar Patrick
Check out my blog at nwsportsnightly.blogspot.com
by Cougar_Patrick on May 3, 2011 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Why do you hate FX and ROOT?
My guess is most Coug games will end up on cable channels.
by B-Lot tailgater on May 3, 2011 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
For a second there
I was like, wait, what the hell is KCPQ?
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Fox broadcast is the Fox Network
Yes, That would be Q13 in Seattle
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
John Wilner put the money in perspective on Twitter
Putting new Pac-12 deal in perspective at $21 million/school/yr: USC’s combined rev distribution for 07-08 fiscal yrs was $22 million.
And that figure included bowl and March Madness $$$ (note: league figures for 2009-10 fiscal yr not available)
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
Fox and FSN
I am pretty sure that the Fox in this deal is the Fox that broadcasts NFL games. FSN (now ROOT) is not the same network as Fox.
It isn't a gif but...
Attractive, Intelligent, Short Attention Span, Timbers Fan Reader
by Coug999 on May 3, 2011 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
Pat Fitzgerald acknowledging that Larry Scott is now driving the college football bus
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
by SoCalCoug on May 3, 2011 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Welcome to the Pac-12, Utah. Here is your obscenely large stack of money.
by BigWood! on May 3, 2011 9:41 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Is there a bigger winner anywhere?
I would venture to say they win bigger than WSU….
by B-Lot tailgater on May 3, 2011 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
I would agree if
you include the conference move as part of the equation. If you simply look at the money, I’d say we’d be about even.
by spencer peaty on May 3, 2011 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Thats what I was doing
1-2 punch of conference move and cash infusion
by B-Lot tailgater on May 3, 2011 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey, everyone north of Redding wins.
And, as a Cal partisan, I am totally OK with that.
by Whohah on May 3, 2011 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah I was thinking about that this morning.
And I thought, obviously WSU is the big winn… oh snap, Utah. I forgot about Utah. They were making like, I dunno, $20,000 in the Mountain West, and now they’re going to make 100 million times that in the Pac 12.
You’re welcome, Utah. Remember this when we visit. Hot girls and hospitality, please.
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The wives will love it.
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
by SoCalCoug on May 3, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's Utah.
We’re allowed multiple wives.
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
the biggest loser?
Tony Bennett. Always Tony Bennett.
by BigWood! on May 3, 2011 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Boy is he going to miss out.
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
Remember without Salt Lake City or Denver this deal is not nearly as large
It's a Casio on a plastic beach
by Roy Weaver Stuckey on May 3, 2011 9:57 AM PDT reply actions
To a degree
If the deal were knocked down to $200m instead of $250m, that only would take away about $1m per school per year with 10 teams. Of course, that doesn’t take into account some of the other factors like the conference championship game.
I’m thrilled to have the new schools on board, but with how hot the market was for college sports, I think we would have gotten close to the number we got per school without them.
by spencer peaty on May 3, 2011 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
But adding them also gave us more leverage and more viewers per school.
If the market was so hot why did the Big12 only get roughly $130M a year?
I think you under-estimate how large the Colorado and Utah markets are and what that means in terms of viewers per school since each of those markets only has 1 school.
Spokane is the 75th largest market. Denver and Salt Lake city are 18th and 33rd.
2. Los Angeles (split between 2 schools)
6. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose (split between 2 schools)
12. Phoenix
14. Seattle-Tacoma
18. Denver
22. Portland (split between 2 schools)
33. Salt Lake City
68. Tuscon
75. Spokane
It's a Casio on a plastic beach
by Roy Weaver Stuckey on May 3, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
i think keeping those markets from the Big 12 was more important than securing them for ourselves.
by BigWood! on May 3, 2011 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
We'll also be on in San Deigo (27)
Sacremento (20) and Las Vegas (43). Those were built in before expansion, but they’re covered in the region.
This is the nicest thing I have ever heard someone say about Fresno.
Fresyes!
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
by SoCalCoug on May 3, 2011 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
My point is
the value that these schools brought in paid for their cut, more or less.
by spencer peaty on May 3, 2011 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Also, I feel really dumb.
I was like, wait, Portland has two universities?
Man I need an energy drink, I’m so out of it today.
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
We spent about 36 million in 09-10.
There is a database on ESPN.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on May 3, 2011 11:04 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Dennis Dodd reports the Pac 12 most likely held back the rival games
… from this deal to put them on the Pac 12 Network.
http://twitter.com/#!/dennisdoddcbs/status/65423759917592576
Ummm... That's not what it says...
Pac-12 most likely held back archival rights for programming on Pac-12 Network.
Archival, like classic games. So that they can play old games on their own network.
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
Totally understand
The amount of money being tossed around is very jarring and confusing, especially if you are just waking up.
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
Couple things I noticed (and correct me if I'm wrong):
1. No mention of FSN when it comes to football (win).
2. I think the NYTimes article only said there would be a combined 5 primetime games throughout the year? In my mind this can’t be right. ESPN shows primetime games every week Thursday through Saturday and we only locked down 5 of those spots?
3. FSN had better be doing something about their picture quality if they’re still going to be broadcasting basketball.
4. ONe question: does this include out of conference games?
Attractive, Intelligent, Short Attention Span, Timbers Fan Reader
NYT says that ABC/Fox would have 5 Primetime games
It says nothing about primetime games on FX, FSN, or any ESPN network
Critics are Raving over Jeff "GoCougs" Collier: "Jeff Collier is an idiot" - WSU Cougar Men's Basketball Player Marcus Capers
SBNation Seattle Contributer -- WSU Daily Evergreen Newspaper columnist -- Twitter: @JeffdCollier
I'm just putting it out there.....
Larry Scott/Bill Moos for President/Vice President, 2012
Two in the cake, one in the puddin'! -Kevin Calabro, Twitter: MichaelPreston3
by Michael The Coug on May 3, 2011 10:48 AM PDT reply actions
I think Larry's been reading this.
Attractive, Intelligent, Short Attention Span, Timbers Fan Reader
by Coug999 on May 3, 2011 11:18 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
One more key point
Every single football and basketball game will be broadcast either on tv or online.
All articles mention digital channel
when talking about all the games being available. That’s the Espn3 style online platform they are creating.
The NYT article mentions the digital platform
but says 350 events will be carried on the PTN. Scott has said in the past that all FB and BB games will be on TV. I will be pissed if any game is not available on television. There is roughly 550 games total between FB and BB in the Pac-12, there is no reason to think that they will put anything but olympic sports and replays of FB and BB on the online platform.
Pac-12 network question --
I know archival FB and BB games will be available, but are they going fully online (ESPN3-like) with the network or still looking to develop the TV platform?
Monetarily, this deal is awesome regardless of the structure! Just don’t see the Pac-12 network bringing in much added revenue as a strictly online platform — unless they have rights to simulcast some FB and BB games. That would actually be pretty sweet for the cord-cutters out there!
"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything." - Demetri Martin.
Can they have a north and south channel?
Because right now Root is a south channel if you now what I mean…or it’s Beavers all acces.
Utah fan here
I agree with Kyle. Utah is a huge winner in this deal. I’m excited that we get a huge piece of the pie (albeit not for a few years) but I’m more excited that I will actually get to see my boys for a change: the Mtn. Channell is a sorry excuse for a network (Boise St. will find this out VERY quickly)
were excited that we get real exposure for a change. (many of us Utah fans firmly believe Utah’s 2008 team could have played in the title game if it weren’t for the stupid network no one could find)….oh yeah and we get to play quality schools.
can’t wait for the year to start.
my only request is that you guys lay off the polygamy jokes. :) First of all we are not BYU and secondly not ALL people in Utah are mormons. If you can do that, we’ll be more than happy to beat up WU for you
Hope we have some good times in the future.
Fear the MUSS!!
Just for the record
the polygamy jokes are a compliment, not a source of ridicule. Also it’s UW and not WU, but that’s just splitting hairs because they’re just awful.
Thanks for the comment!
by Kyle Rancourt on May 3, 2011 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
By the way you guys have a reader leuy123 that doesn't know who WAZZU is.
I was shocked by that. Could you help us out with that? Yes, we know that not everyone is Mormon in Utah and has multiple wives, kind of like not everyone in Washington wears socks with their sandals and drinks coffee.
Welcome to the site and glad to have you in the Pac12.
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
by SoCalCoug on May 3, 2011 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Understood
Considering most of the plig jokes are aimed at our bitter rivals: the “other Cougars”, we get annoyed sometimes when people use them on us. Moving on….. If our track record against Pac-10 schools is any indication of how well we do, I’m sure we will do fine in our new conference. The challenge for sure is seeing if we can keep up that track record when we play Pac-12 schools on a weekly basis.
we had some good times (spanking UCLA in 07’ and beating Oregon St. by a FG). Hopefully we will have some more to add to the list. I will say this: unlike our rivals, you guys actually choose the right color which makes your cougars much easier to get a long with.
This TV deal is very good news for us. Making 20+ mil in a few years will be sooooooo much better than getting peanuts (1.3 mil) from the MWC.
Fear the MUSS!!
Just a suggestion. Please use the reply button to the person you are speaking to.
It helps everyone with the conversation.
"I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf." Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or artificial turf
My bad :)
Sometimes I just get lazy and reply to quickly to hit the reply button first: honest mistake mate :)
Fear the MUSS!!
Thats how it always is for newbies.....
Its kool. We all make that mistake as well (we call those reply fails fyi)…
Welcome to the Pac, and welcome to Cougcenter.
Attractive, Intelligent, Smart A**
by Neil Vincent Roberts on May 3, 2011 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I've actually been on SB nation (Block U) for a couple of years now
I guess the boys over at Block U don’t mind as much when I fail to hit reply …..anyway, I’ll do my best not to be too lazy to hit the reply button :)
Fear the MUSS!!
by GambitUte on May 3, 2011 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
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