USA Sports Partners with Pac-12 Conference for Exciting Media Rights Deal
The Pac-12 conference has secured a new media rights partner in the form of Versant's USA Sports, a division of the NBCUniversal spinoff company set to launch in January. The five-year deal, starting in 2026, will see USA Network airing a variety of Pac-12 sports content, including football and basketball games. The agreement includes 22 regular season football games, 50 regular season men's basketball games, Pac-12 Tournament coverage up to the championship game, and a selection of women's basketball games.
Next season, the Pac-12 will feature a lineup of schools that includes Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (basketball), Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington State. This deal marks the completion of the Pac-12's new media rights agreements, aligning with the conference's expansion plans for the upcoming year. Earlier agreements with CBS and The CW will also contribute to the conference's media coverage, with CBS broadcasting premium content and The CW airing football and basketball games.
Matt Hong, President of USA Sports, expressed pride in the partnership with the Pac-12, highlighting the opportunity to showcase the league to a national audience on USA Network. The collaboration aims to position USA Network as a go-to destination for sports fans, offering a lineup of Pac-12 football doubleheaders and men's and women's basketball games starting in the fall. Versant, the parent company of USA Sports, is actively expanding its live sports portfolio ahead of its launch, building on existing partnerships and securing new deals with sports organizations like the WNBA, USGA, and League One Volleyball.
Pac-12 Enterprises, the conference's production arm, will be responsible for producing all broadcasts for USA Network. The partnership with USA Sports represents a significant step for the Pac-12 in enhancing its media coverage and reaching a broader audience through the national platform provided by USA Network. With a diverse lineup of sports content set to be broadcast, the Pac-12 looks forward to engaging fans across the country and showcasing the talent and excitement of its member schools.