The Pac-12 Conference, once a dominant force in college athletics, has finally secured a long-term media rights agreement after years of uncertainty. The newly restructured league announced a multi-year broadcasting deal with CBS and Paramount+ that will cover football and basketball games through the 2030-31 season. This partnership includes coverage of championship games, regular-season matchups, and streaming access via Paramount+. The agreement comes as the conference attempts to regain national visibility following a major realignment that added six new schools, bringing the total to eight—the minimum required by the NCAA for FBS status. While this move provides a platform for growth, critics argue it arrives too late to restore the Pac-12's former prominence.

In a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing its brand, the Pac-12 inked a comprehensive broadcasting agreement that will see its marquee events aired across major networks. Beginning in 2026, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ will host at least three regular-season games from both football and men’s basketball, while also featuring the respective championship games over the next five years. This arrangement offers the conference a consistent national stage, which is essential for attracting fans and potential future members alike. The decision to partner with CBS marks a significant pivot, especially considering how other major conferences locked in lucrative media deals years ago, leaving the Pac-12 trailing behind in financial and exposure opportunities.

Rebuilding the Pac-12 has been no small task. After losing several high-profile members to other conferences, the league had to scramble to meet NCAA requirements by adding six new institutions in late 2024. Among these additions are notable athletic programs such as Boise State, known for its recent College Football Playoff appearance, and Gonzaga, a perennial powerhouse in men’s basketball. These teams bring fresh energy and competitive appeal, helping bolster the conference’s reputation as it enters a new era. However, despite the infusion of talent, questions remain about whether the revamped lineup can generate enough interest to reverse years of declining relevance.

The leadership within the Pac-12 has framed this media partnership as a cornerstone of transformation. Commissioner Teresa Gould described CBS as a “transformational partner” crucial to shaping the league’s identity in a rapidly evolving college sports landscape. Athletic directors like Fresno State’s Garrett Klassy have echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in being part of something innovative with purpose and reach. Yet, even with optimistic messaging, challenges persist. The conference still lacks an eighth football team—necessary for full FBS classification—with ongoing talks reportedly involving Texas State from the Sun Belt Conference. Until that threshold is met, the Pac-12’s credibility among power leagues remains questionable.

This media deal represents more than just a broadcasting arrangement—it signals the Pac-12’s determination to reclaim a foothold in the national conversation. With a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and expanded reach, the conference hopes to rekindle fan engagement and attract future partners. Though the timing may seem belated, the alliance with CBS and Paramount+ offers a foundation upon which the Pac-12 can rebuild its presence and potentially chart a new course for college athletics moving forward.