PAC-12 NETWORK • Hill hasn't been exactly hiding his displeasure with the how Pac-12 Network's revenues have not been as high as once hoped. But the AD painted the clearest picture yet of just how far Pac-12 schools could fall behind.
While the Utes receive $18 million per year thanks to national TV deals with Fox and ESPN, the Pac-12 Network only generates about $1 million per Pac-12 institution. By contrast, Hill said he's seen figures that the Big 10 Network will generate as much as $10 million per school.
The Pac-12 Network model is unique in that it is owned wholly by the universities, meaning the schools get to keep all the revenue they generate. But the SEC Network and Big 10 Network (both which have partnered with networks to help distribute and produce content) project to be much more lucrative models in the future —
an assertion that the San Jose Mercury News reported on about two months back. Hill said the time has come to at least discuss new models, although that discussion is mostly in the hands of commissioner Larry Scott and the Pac-12 presidents.
"I know it's going to be reevaluated by our presidents to see if the model's working," he said. "I think they're taking a look at the landscape and see should we stick with the model, should we move on. It could be anything from sticking with where we are, which has some real advantages, to moving in another direction."
Hill said many fans have expressed disappointment that the Pac-12 Networks are not on DirecTV, which has been described as a stalemate by Scott, Hill and many others close to the negotiations (or lack thereof).
Hill added that he knows some fans are disappointed with Sunday basketball games, but the Utes' have had some success drawing crowds for Pac-12 games and that because of the program's overall success, the Utes need more flexibility to get exposure with television scheduling. Hill also spoke to College Gameday in the last few months, and said more men's basketball success will increase the likelihood that ESPN's banner show will come to the Huntsman Center next season.