Pac-12 should be concerned about visibility, not value compared to Big 12 as new media rights deal nears

The Pac-12 is expected to finalize a deal in principle by the beginning of 2023. The Big 12 signed a new media rights deal with ESPN and Fox last month. It's not about money, but visibility. Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren kept advocating for adding California, Oregon, Stanford and Washington in expansion. The biggest question for the Pac would be who will see its games. Amazon has let it be known it is only doing business with must-see, premium live sports television properties. For the moment, Amazon is focusing on the NFL. iReport.com: Big Big League and Big 10 are not interested in expanding.

ESPN owns 63% of the value of a $2.3 billion contract that begins in 2025. Fox owns the remaining 37% and receives 26 games per season. If the Big 12 expands, the new team would get 63%. The league decided not to expand in 2016. The current Big12 deal isn't finalized until the partners sign the long-form contract. The final grant of rights secures schools TV rights to the conference for the term of this deal.

There's speculation about San Diego State joining the Pac-12. The current Pac 12 has 10 teams and the new one could be the "Pac-11" with 12th member. Pac 11 would be hard to squeeze media rights out of SanDiego State. Big 12 is a better league for visibility than Pac 10. The Pac12 should be concerned about visibility, not value compared to Big12 as new media deal nears.

Gonzaga is interested in joining the Pac-12 or Big 12. Pac 12 should be concerned about visibility, not value.

Gonzaga could be added to the Big 12. ESPN owns WCC rights. The W CC is a low major. It's not clear what rightsholder would pay for the addition.