Larry Scott continues to impress as the commissioner of the Pac-12. Since taking over as the conference’s commissioner two years ago, the conference has expanded from 10 to 12 teams, flirted with major programs like Texas, and increased its national exposure. Scott already signed a 12-year national TV deal with FOX and ESPN that netted the conference $3 billion. His latest plan to launch a television network can take the conference to the next level.
Scott’s unveiled plans Wednesday to create six regional networks and one national network for the Pac-12. The regional networks will be based on local pairings. For example, there will be an Oregon network for the University of Oregon and Oregon State, and a Washington network for the University of Washington and Washington State. Cable providers Cox, Time Warner, Bright House, and Comcast have already signed on to broadcast the channels. Scott plans to add satellite and phone companies.
The new channels will be available in high definition and they will be owned by the conference. The best part of all? “With this arrangement, every [Pac-12] football game and every men’s basketball game will be available to a national audience on television,” Scott said Wednesday.
When Larry Scott took the conference’s coaches and top football players on a national media tour last year, his mission to expand their reach was clear. Rather than remain on the West Coast with limited exposure, the conference made stops at ESPN’s headquarters and New York City to appeal to a greater audience. With a new TV deal in place that includes a national network and regional networks, you can’t help but feel like the conference is in the hands of a man who knows what he’s doing. Larry Scott is making the upgrade and the Pac-12 is benefiting.
