The Pac-12 Conference has entered into a new media-rights agreement with CBS, announced on Monday, which will see CBS broadcast at least four football and men’s basketball games each season on its main network. This agreement, covering the period from 2026 to 2031, will provide a significant platform for the Pac-12’s restructured league, extending its reach through cable and streaming media.
Although the financial specifics of the agreement were not disclosed, Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould described the partnership as “transformational,” allowing the conference to expand and evolve with the debut of its redesigned membership in the 2026-27 athletic season. Previously, the Pac-12 faced considerable challenges in securing a stable media deal, a situation that almost led to the dissolution of the conference in 2023. At that time, all member schools except for Oregon State and Washington State transitioned to other conferences such as the Big 12, Atlantic Coast, and Big Ten.
For the upcoming athletic season, the remaining teams’ games are already scheduled to be aired on platforms like the CW, ESPN, and CBS. However, starting in the next season, this new CBS deal, identified by the conference as its “primary long-term media partner,” will commence. Importantly, the conference will welcome new members, including Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Utah State, and San Diego State, competing in all sports, while Gonzaga will join for all sports except football.
To maintain its status in the Football Bowl Subdivision and qualify for the College Football Playoff, the Pac-12 must further expand its membership to at least eight teams. Reports suggest that Texas State is a leading contender for inclusion. As part of the agreement, CBS will air at least three regular-season football games, men’s basketball games, and the championship events for each sport, ensuring a regular presence on the CBS Sports Network.
Further details of the media-rights arrangement are still being worked out, with Octagon, the Pac-12’s media negotiator, exploring additional broadcast partnerships to further enhance the league’s visibility and marketability.