Colorado University Athletics
Mike Bohn Update From Pac-12 Meetings
PHOENIX - University of Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn provided an update Tuesday afternoon from the annual Pacific-12 Conference meetings, and while he was not able to go into specifics, all those associated with following CU's athletic programs will have smiles on their faces come mid-morning Wednesday.
That's when Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott will hold a press conference with leaders from ESPN and FOX, with the three to jointly announce a landmark agreement in college television history which will commence with the 2012-13 athletic year.
The announcement is coming weeks, if not months, sooner than expected, as Pac-12 officials all along had speculated the broadcast rights deal for the new 12-member conference wouldn't be finished until the summer months. Although the financial aspects are yet to be determined, along with many details associated with the agreement including the actual proceeds to each of the 12 campuses, the framework of the deal is finished and will be announced formally at a 9 a.m. (MDT) press conference at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
(The press conference will be streamed live both on CUBuffs.com as well as the conference's website, currently www.pac-10.org.). To see the stream live on CUBuffs.com: click here .
"It was extremely fortuitous that we were all together to discuss the nuances associated with the new television agreement with ESPN and FOX," Bohn said. "This is a landmark deal with the broadcast leaders in college sports, and we're very honored and excited to partner with ESPN and FOX who really worked on an Avant-garde approach to this TV partnership. We need to salute Larry Scott for his innovation, as well as the innovation of the entire league.
"Its' a great day for our fans, alumni, student-athletes, coaches and staff, as this represents the premier stage to enhance our national audience, utilizing more broadcast platforms and the newest technology," Bohn continued. "In addition to providing a much-needed injection of funds, the exposure for the entire conference and thus each institution should enhance recruiting, not only for student-athletes, but for all students.
"Larry Scott's vision for this agreement, coupled with revenue sharing approved by the presidents and chancellors of the conference institutions, in addition to our increased growth of donors, season ticket holders and supporters is vital now more than ever to our future success."