On November 12, 2025, the Pac-12 and USA Sports announced an exciting five-year partnership that will reshape the landscape of college sports starting in the 2026-27 season. This partnership will see the new Pac-12 becoming the premier college sports offering on USA Network, which is set to broadcast a staggering 22 football games, 50 men’s basketball games, and up to 10 women’s basketball games in the upcoming seasons.
Pac-12 Basketball Games To Air On CBS, The CW, USA Network
Under this collaboration, the Pac-12’s men’s basketball tournament will also be prominently featured on USA Sports, culminating with the championship game airing on CBS. This plan highlights a multi-network approach designed to maximize the visibility of Pac-12 basketball. CBS’s long-standing relationship with the Pac-12 continues, as the network remains instrumental in showcasing key matchups and tournament games.
In securing this innovative partnership, Octagon, the league’s exclusive media rights advisor, played a significant role. Their expertise facilitated the Pac-12’s long-term agreements not only with USA Sports, but also with CBS Sports and The CW, ensuring a varied audience and comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. This strategy speaks to a growing trend in college sports, whereby leagues bundle their media rights to optimize revenue and exposure.
NEWS: USA Sports & Pac-12 announce partnership through 2030-31! 🤝#BackThePac x @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/xHRKKZi0eb
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 13, 2025
“The new Pac-12 is where tradition meets transformation,” emphasized Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould. This sentiment underscores the league’s commitment to evolving within the rapidly changing college sports landscape. Gould expresses excitement about the potential to create something unique and impactful alongside the USA Sports team, emphasizing a shared vision for future growth and engagement.
Women’s basketball is also poised for significant visibility, with 15 regular season games planned for The CW and an additional 5 to 10 regular season games airing on USA Network. Furthermore, both the semifinals and championship game of the women’s basketball tournament will feature on The CW, reinforcing the network’s commitment to women’s sports and providing a platform to elevate these athletes.
Conference To Feature Nine Teams In 2026-27
In a notable shift, the Pac-12 will return to a nine-team structure for the 2026-27 season. This revamped league will include Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington State. This transformation reflects ongoing changes in college athletics and the Pac-12’s adaptability to new realities.
Oregon State and Washington State are currently navigating a two-year NCAA grace period as members of the Pac-12, allowing them to remain part of the conference through the 2025-26 academic year. This transitional phase is indicative of the ongoing realignment within college sports, where programs constantly strategize to enhance their competitive standing and financial viability.
1⃣0⃣0⃣% home games on 📺🏈
1⃣0⃣0⃣% home games kickoffs set preseason
1⃣0⃣0⃣% can’t wait for 2026#BackThePac pic.twitter.com/yASCxFN3gs— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 13, 2025
Matt Hong, president of USA Sports, conveyed enthusiasm about showcasing the Pac-12 to a national audience, stating that this partnership solidifies USA Network’s position as a go-to destination for sports fans. With weekends filled with doubleheaders and special events covering both men’s and women’s basketball, this collaboration aims to enhance sports viewership and engagement across the network.