OMAHA, NEBRASKA – June 23, 2025 – In a significant step toward stabilizing its future amidst the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics, the Pac-12 Conference announced on Monday a new five-year media rights agreement with CBS Sports. This deal, which officially begins with the 2026-27 athletic season and runs through the 2030-31 season, positions CBS as the "primary long-term media partner" for the restructured conference.



The announcement marks a crucial turning point for the Pac-12, which has been grappling with an existential crisis since the departure of several marquee programs to other major conferences. With only Oregon State and Washington State remaining from its previous iteration, the conference has been diligently working to rebuild its membership and secure a viable media future. The new Pac-12 will officially launch in 2026-27 with the addition of prominent programs like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State from the Mountain West Conference, along with basketball powerhouse Gonzaga from the West Coast Conference.

Key Details of the Agreement:

  • Broadcast Reach: The deal ensures significant linear and digital exposure for the new Pac-12. Premier football and men's basketball games will be aired on The CBS Television Network and streamed live on Paramount+.
  • Championship Showcase: Both the Pac-12 football championship game and the men's basketball tournament championship game will be televised on CBS and available on Paramount+.
  • Regular Season Coverage: A minimum of three regular-season football games and three regular-season men's basketball games will be featured on CBS and Paramount+ each season.
  • Expanded Presence: An unspecified number of additional regular-season football and men's basketball contests will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, the company's cable offering. Further details regarding these games are expected to be announced at a later date.
  • Multiple Partners: While CBS Sports has been announced as the anchor partner, the Pac-12 indicated that additional media rights partnerships will be announced as further agreements are finalized. This multi-partner approach has been a stated goal for the conference.


Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that CBS rose to the top by meeting the conference's three primary criteria: exposure, financial support, and the promise of a "transformational partner." Washington State University President Elizabeth Cantwell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the deal is "more than a media deal; it's a statement of purpose and a springboard to what's next."

The agreement with CBS Sports provides much-needed stability and a national platform for the reconfigured Pac-12. While the financial details of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, securing a long-term broadcast partner is a monumental step in the conference's efforts to re-establish itself as a relevant and competitive force in college athletics. The attention now turns to the Pac-12's ongoing efforts to add an eighth full-time, football-playing member, with reports suggesting Texas State could be the next addition.