In response, the Big 12/8 should go to the deep pockets of Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Fox and see how good of a deal they could get, ESPN is an outdated cable network, time to leverage other options, this ain’t 2008
Unfortunately, this isn't an option. I know you see WSJ columnists talk about it and it might make sense theoretically, but strategically it doesn't.
Netflix: Their model isn't built on live events, never will be
Amazon: Licensed the worst NFL package to prop up Prime, but isn't getting into producing any of that content. Not showing interest in any other live content at the moment
Hulu: See Netflix
Fox: No digital sports strategy worth talking about
The one you didn't mention was Apple, which did approach the PAC 12 about buying the PAC 12 network but I can tell you those conversations didn't go far... $$ wasn't right, Apple has no understanding of live sports.
If you have a bunch of generally watchable sports rights, you have the following US based options:
- ESPN: ABC, ESPN cable, ESPN+... They own the ACC, SEC, the current CFP, and will do literally whatever it takes to get the new CFP... Expect the new CFP to earn DOUBLE or more what the current one does.
- Fox Sports: Traditional linear and FS1 cable... They own the BIG in large part and parts of the Big 12 and PAC currently
- CBS: Traditional linear CBS + "entertainment" cable networks like TNT and TBS and now Paramount+... Bit player for the SEC (for now), heading towards greater irrelevance in college football
- NBC: Notre Dame through 2025, but that's it... They seem content with a few tentpole properties (NFL, Golf, Olympics) and I'm guessing that's all they will do in the future as they sunset NBC Sports Network and limit their content options to Peacock and the NBC linear network + maybe their cable networks. Welcome to College Football on the USA Network? Probably not.
Everybody else is out of the game.
There is lots of talk in the industry right now that ESPN is going to corner the market (SEC+ACC+CFP) which is about 66% of viewing audiences for College Football), let FOX take the BIG which they are going to do anyway, and then dabble in the rest with no other network getting deep into college football as there isn't the incentive since ESPN owns the college football postseason.
What this forgets is that live sports, and college sports for sure, is still appointment viewing and brings in big audiences vs more traditional programming... Without strong live sports programming, it's hard to chart your future in television.
For me, I think the thesis that ESPN might be "done" after ACC+SEC+CFP has some weight to it, if only from a financial perspective, but FOX still has plenty of slots to fill on multiple channels and there is no better way to do it in the next five years than college football. Also, keep an eye on CBS... They are already big in the West, and they have a cable network and a moderate digital operation they are investing in. Could they look to the PAC and make them a can't miss offer: Saturday game of the week, the Saturday primetime slot, and lots more on the CBS Sports Network and Paramount+? I could see a FOX+CBS deal for the "expanded" PAC for sure.
Anyways, back to work.