Gonzaga's Pac-12 Move Shifts Media Footprint for 2026-27
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The Bulldogs exit the West Coast Conference for a reborn Pac-12, trading a long-term ESPN partnership for a linear-heavy broadcast strategy.
Gonzaga is ending a 46-year tenure in the West Coast Conference to join a reborn Pac-12 for the 2026-27 season, a move that fundamentally alters the program's media rights landscape, as Sports Illustrated first reported. According to the outlet, the shift moves the Bulldogs away from a lengthy partnership with ESPN toward a broadcast model centered on linear TV and over-the-air exposure.
Under the new Pac-12 media deal, games will be distributed across three primary partners: CBS, The CW Network, and the USA Network. Sports Illustrated reports that the strategy emphasizes accessibility, placing nearly every event on linear stations to avoid forcing content behind paywalls.
As the anchor partner, CBS will have first pick of broadcasts, including the conference title game and a minimum of three regular-season games. Sports Illustrated notes that because Gonzaga is the conference's largest TV draw, the program is expected to feature heavily on CBS and the CBS Sports Network, which will collectively host at least 20 regular-season games. Additionally, The CW will broadcast 35 regular-season games, while the USA Network will carry 50 regular-season games and the conference tournament lead-up.
While ESPN is no longer part of the conference media deal, it maintains a streaming partnership with The CW to host those sports broadcasts on the ESPN app. However, Gonzaga's non-conference schedule remains fragmented across various platforms; Sports Illustrated reports upcoming games will air on TNT, FOX, CBS, Amazon Prime Video, and the SEC Network.