The Pac-12 Network revolution may not be televised
Jun 28, 2011, 5:17 PM | Updated: 9:12 pm
Could the Pac-12 Network come to you via your computer, phone or tablet instead of your television in the fall of 2012? If meetings the conference has held over the last few weeks with major players in Silicon Valley are any indication, it could be a real possibility.
According to the San Jose Mercury News’ Jon Wilner, commissioner Larry Scott and other conference officials have discussed some unique options with major brands in the technology industry.
The Pac-10 Conference is exploring several models for its fledgling television network, including partnerships with Google or Apple that would revolutionize the way college sports are broadcast, according to sources.
If the conference went down this route it would be a calculated gamble. A majority of games from major sports would still be shown on FOX and ESPN as part of their $250 million deal. But instead of trying to form a brand new network with a cable or satellite provider and fighting for space on an already crowded lineup of channels, they’d have an outlet truly of their own.
From a media perspective the idea is very intriguing. The Pac-12 could be one of the first to spark a revolution in the way fans consume sporting events and sports content. Sure, ESPN has ESPN3.com but usually it shows things that you wouldn’t want to watch even if they were shown on prime time television or things that are already on one of their cable channels. A college conference embracing the platform could start a ripple effect.
Commissioner Scott has proven in his brief time with the conference that he’s a visionary. If he continues to embrace it we may be able to say: “The Pac-12 Network? Yeah, there’s an app for that.”
