ASU PRESIDENT TALKS PAC-12 MEDIA RIGHTS, CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT, COYOTES VOTE 2023

Michael Crow, president of the university, told The State Press that discussions for media rights are “in their last stages” and that the institution is dedicated to the Pac-12.

ASU President Michael Crow told The State Press on Tuesday that talks for Pac-12 media rights are in their final stages and that the university is committed to playing in the league.

The University does not take a stance on public referendums such as Propositions 301, 302, and 303, which would allow developers to begin construction on an entertainment area with an Arizona Coyotes arena, Sportsbook, hotel, and other facilities and attractions.

There have been no talks or agreements on a partnership with gaming enterprises in the Tempe Entertainment District or anyplace else on campus. Desert Financial Arena, the arena for ASU basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling, need improvements, although the situation is not as grave as some have suggested.

negotiating media rights for the Pac-12

The Pac-12 has been in discussions for a new media rights agreement for Pac-12 sports for the previous nine months. Being a member of a league that sells packaged media rights to media outlets such as ESPN and FOX, ASU generates considerable revenue from its athletics.

Generally, the money is allocated equitably across conference schools. USC and UCLA chose to leave the Pac-12 for the Big 10 last summer, which was a financial blow to the Pac-12 because they were two of the conference’s most lucrative institutions.

Crow stated, “We’re close to knowing where we’ll be, and I believe we’re close to an agreement.” “I believe that the departure of USC and UCLA has complicated the Pac-12 media rights. The media rights also grew more difficult, as they typically do when markets evolve in this manner. They ascend and descend repeatedly. Nonetheless, we have fantastic sports teams and will receive a nice offer for the remaining teams. We are nearing the completion of this procedure.”

Debates around ASU’s entry into the Big 12

CBS Sports reported last week that the Big 12 had “reestablished communication” with ASU, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah and that the four schools’ desire to join the Big 12 has “intensified” in recent weeks.

Crow stated that there had been no relocation conversations with the Big 12 league. “I mean, there have been conversations amongst everyone everywhere about all aspects of where our conference is headed, where things will finish up, and what’s occurring. Our commitment is to the Pac-12.”

ASU’s participation in and discussions concerning the Tempe Entertainment District
In May, Tempe voters will decide on Propositions 301, 302, and 303 about a 46-acre development project that will contain, among other things, a new stadium for the Arizona Coyotes, a Sportsbook, and housing.

“We collaborated with the Coyotes on Mullett Arena usage. They desired our participation in the pursuit of this larger mission. This is not our area of expertise “Crow remarked.

Mullett Arena era begins as Coyotes consider new Tempe development

Crow stated, “As far as I am aware, we are not on any of the committees or organizations.” We do not take stances on public referendums, thus we are not involved and have made no obligations.

Possibility of a Sportsbook and sports betting partnership in the District and abroad.
There are presently no agreements or negotiations for forming a relationship with a gaming company in the Tempe Entertainment District or elsewhere on campus. The University, however, receives advertising money from the Gila River Casino for use in the stadium and Desert Financial Arena.

At the Novus Innovation Corridor, there was a plan to construct a space for “gambling activities.” The ASU denied the idea.

Crow stated, “We have no agreements or negotiations with any gaming organizations.”

Remodeling of the Desert Finance Arena

ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson told Arizona Sports’ Bickley and Marotta in February 2022 that Desert Financial Arena is in “dire need” of renovations and that he “expects ASU to pivot to that very fast.”

Crow stated, “I do not know what he meant by dreadful.” “You have been there before. It is fully working. It is essentially a fantastic facility that only requires modernization.”

Crow estimated that updating the DFA’s air handling system would cost around $25 million. In addition, he suggested that the locker facilities and seats may need to be updated, with probable additions of handrails and other upgrades.

Crow stated that there have been no significant injuries as a result of this. “This establishment is fully operating. That has no bearing on whether or not we win basketball games.”

Crow stated, in reference to the distinctiveness of the University, that so many students participate in “The institution has so many capacities that it is “like a freak of nature.” Perhaps you guys attend the school for unicorns.”

“What is a unicorn in venture capital, Alexa?” Crow questioned his Amazon Alexa in the room’s corner.

“We are not a unicorn in the sense of the private sector,” he remarked. “We are so odd. We’re the seven-footer with dribbling and shooting ability, right? So that’s the unicorn. That’s ASU. We are the seven-footer capable of dribbling and shooting in a desperately functional arena.”