Report: ESPN targeting Big 12, Pac-12 following possible Big Ten loss

ESPN is reportedly targeting a new broadcasting deal with the Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences following the possible loss of the Big Ten. According to a Monday report, ESPN is facing the loss of the Big Ten Conference broadcasting rights in a bidding war — leading analysts to believe that they could pick up another Power 5 conference to fill the loss.

ESPN eyeing Big 12, Pac-12

“I say Big 12 ends up with ESPN; especially if it can pluck a couple of Pac 10 schools,” explained the New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand.

“ESPN might move on Pac 12 first, but Big 12 will be in play too. It could end up with SEC (already has it), Pac 12 and Big 12. But realignment could be afoot. ESPN also likes Pac 12 because of its late windows, according to sources. It also likes the idea of controlling all the games.”

The speculation on conference realignment and future television deals began in full force again on Monday after reports began about a possible new home for Big Ten football games. ESPN’s acquisition of the SEC — which goes into effect in 2024 — consolidated a large portion of the college football world in the ABC-ESPN umbrella.

With the Big Ten becoming a rising power on top of their already large base because of conference realignment, a bidding war of sorts opened up around their television rights. A Monday report highlighted that CBS and NBC were frontrunners to secure the television rights that ESPN would lose, giving them and Fox control of Big Ten broadcasts.

Now, with the possible loss of the Big Ten at hand — analysts were quick to point out the next domino to fall would likely be either the Big 12 or Pac-12 conferences. The two conferences were featured heavily in conference realignment discussions after the loss of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, and the loss of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten.

According to Marchand, the Pac-12 is the most appealing new acquisition for ESPN as the west coast time zone makes for less conflict with the coveted SEC game broadcasts. However, it’s likely that interest from ESPN in both conferences will lead to renewed discussions about possible partnerships — as a “combination” type of deal could attract ESPN to spend money on their television rights.

There’s always the possibility that ESPN can re-secure the rights to the Big Ten and make speculation meaningless in the long run, but the amount of money rumored to be offered could make every conference in the sport re-evaluate their situations.