CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano Aims to Secure Pac-12 Membership with Media Rights Update
Chancellor Phil DiStefano of the University of Colorado (CU) stated that the CU Buffs' preference is to remain a member of the Pac-12 conference, but their commitment could depend on the outcome of the Pac-12's long-awaited broadcast rights deal. The conference's commissioner, George Kliavkoff, is expected to provide clarity on the new media partnerships on Thursday. CU is one of four Pac-12 members reportedly targeted by the Big 12 for expansion. The Pac-12's television contract ends next year, and while a media deal is not expected to be announced at the upcoming football media day, CU's goal is to stay within the Pac-12 and secure a media deal soon. The financial returns for CU from the Pac-12 have fallen short of expectations, and the university hopes for a payout that places them in the middle of the Power 5 conferences.