Pac-12 Commissioner George Kryavkov expects no more Big Ten or Big 12 appearances for the team as his league continues to negotiate its next media rights deal.
speak at “Canzano & Wilner: PodcastKryavkov said that despite rumors of additional Big Ten expansions and the aggressive pursuit of Pac-12 members by the Big 12, the Pac-12 is still unified.
USC and UCLA announced in June that they would be leaving Pac-12 for the Big Ten in 2024, leading to speculation that other schools, namely Washington and Oregon, could soon follow.
“If school had moved to the Big Ten, I think it would have already moved to the Big Ten,” Kurifkov told John Kanzano and John Willner. “Also, I’m very focused on what I can control.”
Kurifkov also doubled down on his assurances from July that Pac-12 schools would not depart for the Big 12, which has reportedly targeted Arizona, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. The administrators of several of these schools have reiterated their commitment to Pac-12.
“I’m always talking to presidents and prime ministers and sports directors, and we’re talking about this,” Kurifkov said. and I believe them at their word.”
With USC and UCLA out, Pac-12 began negotiating media rights earlier than expected. Kryavkov said the process was complicated but that an agreement would be reached “in the near future” and that he was confident the remaining 10 members would sign the entitlement agreement “if they presented the right agreement.”
The league’s current media deal expires in 2024.
“Media rights contracts … were always balanced,” Kuriavkov said. “Revenue is certainly a top priority, but we also have to balance distribution. We want our content to be available to any fan who wants to see it. should be available on any piece of glass where our content is connected to the internet.”
Kliavkoff added that any potential expansion of Pac-12 would occur after the media rights deal is finalized. He also stepped up his challenge to exit UCLA from his Pac-12. The University of California president continues to discuss Bruins athletes and their impact on the system’s other, his Pac-12 school, California.
Kryavkov said the Pac-12 welcomed UCLA’s review of the move and did not rule out the possibility that the school would remain in the league.
At a meeting last month, UC board general counsel said the board has the right to reverse UCLA’s decision to withdraw from Pac-12. Kryavkov said the impact of increased travel to league matches is causing problems for athletes, families and others.
Kurifkov said, “We did a quick calculation of the negative impact of UCLA’s costs (such as travel costs and coaching salaries) to get the average Big Ten athletic budget.” We believe that the incremental money is more than 100% offset by additional costs, so you will receive the money you earn, which goes to airlines and charter companies, coaches and managers. It does not support student-athletes.
