Women’s basketball is a major part of the next Pac-12 television deal.
That’s according to conference commissioner George Kliavkoff. During Pac-12 women’s basketball media day Tuesday, the head of the conference told The Mercury News women’s basketball is something television partners are seeking out.
“I think women’s basketball is our fastest-growing television sport,” Kliavkoff said. “Ratings are increasing faster than any other sport. And I think it’s one of the sports that has been undervalued traditionally, in media rights. I think that provides a great opportunity.”
Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer is appreciative of what the conference’s cable channel has provided for her teams and athletes.
“Pac-12 Networks has put Pac-12 women’s basketball on the map,” VanDerveer said. “We always were good, but now people know about it.”
She later added that the expansion of women’s basketball games on network television, like ABC, is a good thing for the game.
“We love playing on the Pac-12 Network and ESPN, but ABC will just get you into more homes. We want the young girls, boys, old men, women, whoever to see these great players and the great teams. It is absolutely thrilling.”
The Pac-12 reportedly believes they can eclipse the number of $380 million per year that the Big 12 received after it extended its current deal with FOX Sports and ESPN, with women’s basketball playing a role in exceeding that number.
