The Pac-12 conference was gutted for a variety of factors, which prominently included a media rights deal that wasn’t working for the member institutions or the fans.
The Pac-12 Network was difficult for fans to find, and the lack of games on major networks led to limited visibility and major frustration – which was expected to be alleviated in the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
However, as Comcast subscribers in the Pacific Northwest are finding out, the same old problems persist.
Comcast offers a $10 add-on which features the Big Ten Network, a relatively small price to pay for fans of Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA to ensure access to their favorite teams as they embark on a new season.
Except, as reported by John Canzano, a battle of ‘territorial rights’ currently means local games will be blacked out on the Big Ten Network – proof the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The irony of Oregon bolting from the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten – in part because of more reliable media rights – is certainly not lost on Oregon State, who took a shot at their longtime rivals with a social media post on Tuesday.
National brand 😏#GoBeavs x @TheCW pic.twitter.com/DcPt8E9pdV
— The Beavs (@BeaverAthletics) August 27, 2024
The Beavers were one of two Pac-12 schools left in the dust during realignment, and they are now playing as independents along with Washington State for the next few years while they look to rebuild the conference.
It has certainly been a rough calendar year for the Beavers and Cougars, but they can relish the fact their games are much easier to find on TV locally, at least for the time being.