Report: Pac-12, ACC discussing partnership
The ACC and Pac-12 have discussed a "loose partnership" that could include a championship game between the conferences in Las Vegas at the end of the season, sources told CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd.
The ACC apparently proposed the partnership, which would increase the value of both conferences' media rights contracts with ESPN. The ACC's deal with ESPN runs through 2036, while the Pac-12's contract with ESPN and Fox expires in 2024.
The Pac-12 announced Tuesday that it plans to begin negotiations for its next media rights deal immediately. Fox isn't expected to renew its contract with the conference, according to Dodd.
Powerhouses USC and UCLA are expected to depart the Pac-12 for the Big Ten in 2024, which has cast uncertainty over the conference's future. The Pac-12 announced July 1 that it'd "explore all expansion options."
More teams may still leave the conference, as the Big 12 is reportedly in deep discussions to add multiple Pac-12 schools. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah are believed to be Big 12 targets, though the Sun Devils and Buffaloes released statements Tuesday assuring they remain committed to the Pac-12.